The uglyness that is DV

3T
Community Member
DV does it really end, even when the physical and mental abuse stop. I have been in a DV relationship for 15 yrs although the physical abuse has stopped I still feel like I'm stuck in the uglyness that is DV. A certain look a raise in a voice and it takes me back I can't breathe or think. I constantly blame myself for everything that goes wrong and still run through the check list in my mind of things that need to be done so he won't get mad. Does anyone else do this and does it get better. It feels like DV is always in the shadows waiting to rare its head again
10 Replies 10

MarkJT
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

3T, yes DV is a horrible situation to be in.

Are you able to get out of that relationship? I know 15 years is a long time but if it hasn't changed in that amount of time, it is unlikely to change in the next 15 years.

I have no idea about your situation but if you can get out, then you can begin the process of repairing all the damage done.

Keen to hear back to see what we can do to help you.

Mark.

3T
Community Member

Hi mark

Thanks for the reply. I've been in this relationship for 20 plus yrs it hasn't always been bad but when it got bad I felt I couldn't leave, the though scared me.more than the abuse. Even now the thought still scares me I know there is AVO'S but that won't protect me, it won't stop him.

DV makes you feel worthless and alone u can't plan for the future and you constantly wait for DV to re appear

Fairywings
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member
Sweetheart there is never going to be an easy way to get out of this you just have to take the plunge and get out of you have kids take them with you there are so many women who lose their lives at the hands of these monsters. I would like you to give hanover women's refuge a call its a refuge for women who r escaping a dv relationship u will be appointed a case worker hence guide you and help you get out of there sometimes this will require the presence of police escort. The agency is in Melbourne st kilda to be exact you can google for details if you are not from Melbourne please still give them a call they will be able to guide you on who to call xx please take care of yourself and let us know how u go xx Venessa

3T
Community Member

Hi Vanesssa.

Thank you for ur support

I'm not from melbourne and most women lose there lives after they leave. That's why I'm scared I also have a son Who can't go into a refuge because of his age. It just seems like there is no way out

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni
hello 3T, a DV r/ship is never what type of situation you would ever want to be in, even though the abuse may have stopped there still remains the many occasions when he has been violent and these thoughts are going to remain with you, especially when he raises his voice, this is going to take you back to all those awful times.
You can't stay or live with him and you shouldn't have to keep a check list in your mind to make sure he doesn't get annoyed, this is not living a life you want, and I'm sure your friends have told you to leave and now don't come to visit you when they know he's home, plus he would tell you who you can see and who you can't, this is not a life, because you are still petrified beyond belief.
I know that AVO are not adhered to because you are too scared to report anything he shouldn't be doing, in fear of him abusing you.
THIS HAS TO CHANGE for your own benefit and safety.
There are some different ways for you to safely leave him, some which you may not agree with or some you maybe afraid of doing, but at the moment starting another r/ship will only do more harm than good, but I will list a few ways to do this, some are drastic but this is wat you may have to do.
Change your sim card and list a silent phone number, stay somewhere where he wouldn't know, move interstate and change your name by deed poll, this will just mean that you see a lawyer who will change your name and to be witnessed by two people, rather drastic but you may have to do this.
I don't know how many friends you have left, however if this chap challenges any of them for details they may comply for fear of retribution, so be careful who you tell, I know that your safety is of great concern to all of us, because this chap could change at any time. Geoff.

3T
Community Member

Hi Geoff

You have ideas I've never thought of so thank you. They are drastic but it might come to that, my friends don't know anything that goes on I havnt told them, since my daughter died I have isolated myself from them it's to hard to see them with there little ones when mine isn't here anymore. I would never look for another relationship with anyone if I was to leave I would remain by myself for a long time

Thank you for your support and advice

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni
dear 3T, please take care. Geoff.

Starwolf
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Hi 3T, good to meet you.

I agree with Geoff, drastic situations require drastic coping strategies. Safety is of course the priority. You need the right help and support to help you through this.

Copying these links into your browser will give you tips on how to proceed :

https://au.reachout.com/what-to-do-if-youre-in-an-abusive-relationship

www.lifeline.org.au/domesticviolence

RESPECT has a 24/7 helpline (1800 737 732). Giving them a call would allow you to talk in depth about your specific situation so that a specific solution may be found.

I wish you all the best.

BellaBoo9yearvictim5years
Community Member
I don't know where to begin, except no matter how hard you think it is, it's soooo worth it in the end for yourself and your child, you'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner, I use to make the same excuses you are, he will find me and kill me, oh how he threatened,  there were sooo many scary threats but you have to be strong if you cannot do it for yourself you NEED to do it for your son, my daughter (now 13) hated me when I first left but 6 months later thanked me for leaving, my ex use to tell me all men were the same and no one would ever love a single mother, I would always make excuses for his violence, oh he didn't mean it, he will change, he's sorry, it's legit a bad situation you are in and it will never get better, I wish I could tell you it would but I spent 9 years begging/praying he would change or grow out of it.. you are a powerful amazing woman that is worthy of happiness.. these situations really cut me deep because I WAS YOU, and I wish you could see the light at the end of the tunnel, I'm FINALLY happy.. I'll always have the scars but I made it and so can you, its one of the HARDEST things you will ever have to do but everyday gets easier keep busy.. I don't know who gave you that information that your son can't go to the refuge with you but I'm pretty sure he can.. I wish you all the best and you have to be strong, just remember how strong you have had to be all this time.. you can do it.. sending strength your way xxxx