Abuse Is Not A Two Way Street!

Survivors of abuse have heard it many times, particularly in the court system, from certain family members and absolutely from the abuser. It goes like this:

“There are two sides to every story!”

“It takes two to tango”

“There are three sides to every story. Her side. His Side. And then what really happened.”

But are there really two sides to the story? Is there ever a valid reason one partner hits the other or rages at them for hours, desecrating their character and ripping them to shreds? Did the one on the receiving end do anything that justifies this kind of behavior?

The answer is NO!

Don’t just take my word for it. Read the following excerpt from The National Coalition of Domestic Violence:

Victims of domestic violence do not bring violence upon themselves, they do not always lack self-confidence, nor are they just as abusive as the abuser. Violence in relationships occurs when one person feels entitled to power and control over their partner and chooses to use abuse to gain and maintain that control. In relationships where domestic violence exists, violence is not equal. Even if the victim fights back or instigates violence in an effort to diffuse a situation. There is always one person who is the primary, constant source of power…