Dear World,

I come from a home where I was safe, loved, wanted and sheltered. I never experienced any serious abuse first-hand, nothing compared to what you have had to deal with. I thought I was strong, but then I met so many amazing, fun, happy and unbelievably strong people. The difference between us is what you have had to overcome to be the spectacular human being you are today.

October is National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, and since I have been introduced to so many individuals that I have been touched by abuse I am writing for all of them.

I don't know what it is like to not want to come home from school because I don't know what mood my father is going to be in. I don't know what it is like to want to sleep with my mother at night because it is my only chance of being safe. I don't know what it is like to be physically and mentally abused by a person that is supposed to love me.

What I do know is this type of abuse stays with someone forever and can never be forgotten. I know that it too often influences and shapes the relationships they have later in life. Despite this I also know it is possible for someone to overcome the abuse and be a better person, and not let it impact their future.

I don't know what it feels like for a mother not to want you. I don't know what it is like to be on my own because a parent kicks me out. I don't know what it means to simultaneously love and hate someone. I don't know what it means to be manipulated so much I hate myself by someone who is supposed to love me no matter what.

I do know that when home life isn't the greatest it is important to trust and lean on friends. Friends can become a family, only you get to choose them. When you choose a friendship the love that exists can be so much stronger than that of family because despite everything they love you and they don't have to.

I don't know what it feels like to be violated by someone I care about. I don't know what if feels like to sacrifice my own well-being so someone I love can be happy. I don't know what it feels like to see my abuser everyday, and not tell the world what has happened to me.

I do know that when someone makes you feel like less than you are you attach on to the first person that makes you feel special, even if they aren't the right person for you. I do know that the truth sets everyone free.

Abuse, whether it is physical, emotional or sexual, is painful and changes a person. The challenges those survivors have to overcome are unimaginable to me, yet every day they get up and smile. To all those who have been abused I am amazed by how you can let such a horrible thing not affect the kind, funny and compassionate person you are. Not everyone is able to overcome the abuse on their own. Sometimes they need someone to help them see how good they can be.

Abuse is all around us. Don't let someone feel like they are nothing. Speak up.

Sincerely,

A Friend Who Cares