Written for https://reinventionsreena.wordpress.com/2023/07/27/reenas-xploration-challenge-290/
The Confidence to Surrender Control, the physciatrist was adamant it was important to not worry about the small things. Sam wasn’t so sure of that statement. She lacked control in most of her life. Especially being married to a man who took control at every chance he got.
She wasn’t honest with her therapist, couldn’t be honest, or he would find out. It was her mum, who suggested anti-depressants. This was the only thing that would give any peace.
‘Can you think of a time where you have control,’ the physciatrist said.
‘Not really, it’s just . . .’
She wondered whether the same applied to therapists as it did to doctors. Although, that didn’t matter – not today. Her daughter had witnessed something for the first time.
‘It’s just, I have no control. Or that’s what my husband says anyway. He doesn’t think seeing a therapist will do any good. I think he is worried; I might say something that flowers cannot repair.’
‘What is that?’
‘He hit me today, in front of my daughter. She has always been a little scared of his temper, but today she ran into her bedroom, refused to leave. I know I have to do something, it’s just I am scared.’
‘There is help, you can take back control. I’ve seen the yellow bruises, but to say it out loud has taken back your independence. I cannot make you leave him, that is your choice, but there are places to go.’
‘Mum has sort of guessed, but he knows where she lives. I don’t want any of this to go back to her.’
‘Then a shelter, it is better than what you are dealing with now.’
‘Will he find me?’
‘I wish I could say no, but they will help and dealt with other women in your situation,’ she said handing over the number.
Control, it was time to leave her husband.
Writer Ravenclaw 
Forget the shelter, have that bastard of a husband arrested for hitting you.
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I would too. I am lucky, but I know there are many others who aren’t.
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wonderful story Diana! 😀
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Thank you ❤
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So many women are victims of not only violence but also of fear. It’s necessary to break this cycle
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They are, and as family sometimes we don’t know it is going on. It is only after they are free of them that we can see the signs.
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Yes very true. People who are in violent situations, don’t want to upset their abusers and hence don’t want to be questioned about their situation either.
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The saddest part is the amount of time we take to reach the decision of leaving. Gaslighting is not highlighted as much as physical violence, but actually destroys the victim. And the patriarchy keeps saying, “It’s only a phase. Hang in there.”
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I agree, many victims do not even see the gaslighting and feel they are at fault.
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They don’t even know what is gaslighting. I guess early education is imperative.
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Reblogged this on Reena Saxena and commented:
Control …. by Diana Coombes
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The trouble is I would know the signs now. Someone in my close family was in that sort of relationship for fifteen years. Thankfully she has left him, but only after he threw her down the stairs. It is why I finished my book, so that others would find their voice.
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Are you referring to “It won’t happen again”?
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Yes.
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