International Day For the Elimination of Violence Against Women: November 25, 2020

I never thought I'd need to be protected from someone I loved.

Growing up, it is every little girl's dream to live happily ever after with the Prince of her dreams.

Unfortunately, reality and life can turn out a whole lot different that what you envision your life to be if you make one slightly wrong turn or decision.

Fortunately for me, I was able to finally get away from my abusive ex. It took me five years and a lot of depression, hurt and fear -- until I came to the point that I would rather die than to live like that anymore -- to be able to finally pull it off.

We will never be able to eliminate all violence against women. But, we can make life hard for those who dare to inflict the pain that some women have to endure -- emotionally, mentally, financially and physically...and spiritually.

You should suspect someone is being abused if:

Their Partner Insults Them In Front of Other People.

They Seem Constantly Worried About Angering Their Partner.

They Make Excuses for Their Partner’s Behavior. Some victims often make excuses or blame themselves for their partner’s behavior.

Their Partner Is Extremely Jealous or Possessive. A partner asking for your social media password can be a sign of possessiveness.

They Have Unexplained Marks or Injuries. Victims often lie about injuries or marks because they feel ashamed and embarrassed.

They’ve Stopped Spending Time With Friends and Family.

They Are Depressed or Anxious, or Display Changes in Personality.

Read 9 Ways to Help a Victim of Domestic Violence

Read the UN official commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Read also:

'Invisible pandemic': Domestic violence worsens amid COVID-19 worldwide, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Better access to justice needed for victims of gender-based violence