The Truth About Abuse No One Wants to Talk About

Truth is Hard to Watch

And the truth is, sometimes it’s uncomfortable.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a mix of emotions, anger, sadness, and, honestly, a little bit of disbelief at what I see happening around us.

For the past couple of years, I made a choice to step away from the constant noise of the news and social media. I stopped watching things that left me upset or feeling helpless. It was better for my peace of mind. But recently I’ve been stepping back into that world a little more, trying to understand what people are talking about and where society seems to be heading.

As I scroll through social media, I’m seeing something that stops me in my tracks.

Video after video of women in relationships where there is clearly abuse happening. Sometimes the videos show arguments escalating while children are nearby. Sometimes the women appear ready to fight back in the moment, arguing and shouting while little eyes and ears are right there absorbing everything.

And every time I see it, my heart sinks.

Because the reality is this, abuse rarely begins overnight.

Most of the time, the warning signs were there long before the relationship became serious. Long before children were brought into the world. Abuse often shows itself in small ways.

First: controlling behavior, anger, manipulation, and emotional intimidation.

And yet, many women stay.

Sometimes, because they believe the person will change. Sometimes, because they are afraid. Sometimes, because they feel trapped financially or emotionally. And sometimes, because they simply don’t recognize how dangerous the situation really is until it’s already deep.

But when children become part of that environment, everything changes.

Children don’t just hear arguments. They absorb them. They feel the tension in the air, the fear, the instability. Even when parents think they’re shielding them, kids see far more than we realize.

And that’s the part that breaks my heart the most.

I don’t say any of this from a place of judgment. Life is complicated, relationships are complicated, and leaving an abusive situation is often much harder than people on the outside understand.

But we also have to be honest about something else.

Our systems are failing women when it comes to domestic violence and emotional abuse.

The laws don’t always protect victims the way they should. Emotional abuse is often dismissed because it doesn’t leave visible bruises. Many women are left navigating these situations feeling alone, unsupported, and unsure of where to turn.

That has to change.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available.

National Domestic Violence Hotline📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)or text START to 88788

You deserve support. You deserve safety.

As women, we also have to start having more honest conversations about these realities. We have to stop pretending that abuse is rare or that it only happens somewhere else. It happens everywhere, and too often it stays hidden behind closed doors.

What I see on these videos is more than just a moment captured on a phone.

It’s a reflection of deeper issues that many women are facing every single day.

Truth isn’t always comfortable to look at.

But sometimes the truth is exactly what needs to be spoken out loud.

Sassy Women

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