Abuse vs Assault

I have been doing a lot of reading as I soul search. I have researched the topic of spousal abuse. The most important learning for me has been that I was not in a unique situation. What I was dealing with is incredibly common. And that surprises – and disturbs – me greatly.

An important distinction for me is the difference between assault and abuse. My hopefully-soon-to-be-EX husband would not agree that he was abusive because he did not physically assault me. I believe he would have if I had stayed. I believe he would have if I had raised my voice to him instead of walking away from him that day in December 2020. But regardless I believe, with every fibre of my being, that he is abusive. So. The learning.

SPOUSAL ABUSE IS NOT LIMITED TO PHYSICAL OR SEXUAL ASSAULT. IT IS MUCH MORE ENCOMPASSING.

Most people believe that Spousal Abuse can also be emotional or mental. It can be financial. And there may be more forms that I cannot even imagine. I mean I couldn’t even imagine I was in an abusive relationship a few years ago. I couldn’t imagine being out of that same abusive relationship 18 months ago. But here I am.

So. ABUSE is not just PHYSICAL. And the emotional, mental and financial injuries, although less obvious, hurt and harm just as the physical injuries do.