CW// abuse
i’m 23 years old and my father physically abused me today, presumably for leaving a dish out on the counter after cooking dinner for us last night. i’ve debated about posting because it’s so personal, and so embarrassing that i worry about how it reflects on me.

but holding on to this and protecting him is not a burden that i will carry anymore. as a society we protect men, and as women in particular we often protect men because we are shamed into silence. we are conditioned to believe that their actions reflect more on us then on them.

we face the brunt of the responsibility & embarrassment for all types of male violence. we blame the mother, the wife, the girlfriend, the friend, the sister, the daughter. we blame the culture. we blame anything but him. blame him. blame them. hold them accountable.

my dad is abusive an abusive, narcissistic, misogynistic, absent father. he is unapologetic about this. he has been in and out of my life for years. the first time was when i first fought back against his abuse at 14. when i leave tomorrow, he’ll be out of my life for good.

i share this for anybody that is in a situation that is abusive of any kind. i see you. i believe you. you are not deserving of it. it’s not normal. it’s not your fault. there is better for you. i share this to reclaim my power.

i also share this to say-check up on your friends. frequently. this time is hard for us in unimaginable ways, and people need support. it is not beyond me that domestic abuse rates have gone up. couples are breaking up. large groups of people are under attack. people need support

check in and really listen. check in and offer your support.

i don’t want anything from this thread but your understanding that this is more common than you think. i’m okay if you share this so this message can reach folks who need to see. my dms are open for anybody who needs to talk. thank you for reading