It has taken me a while to reach out to the local DV service - I was frightened that it wouldn't go well - either I wouldn't be eligible for help because of there not being physical violence - or i feared they would be disgusted with me for having the gall to want help when other people really need it.
I spoke to someone today who was really nice actually, am going to see them in a couple of days, they've said they will try and fast track me into a support group, that I can go to a refuge, that another organisation can help me with finding accomodation after. Amazing!
Am feeling fearful, and still kind of can't quite believe that I've been believed, and taken seriously and can get help to leave.
When I told my T I was thinking of contacting DV helpline she reacted with such astonishment - each time I've tried to talk about how bad our relationship has been I found my words drying up fast, I didn't feel believed at all and I felt such shame. As if i was nasty and deluded somehow for even thinking she'd fall for such obvious lies.... This week though it felt like she didn't think it wrong for me to get help. I guess every time I tried to tell anyone what it's been like they've not believed me, except for here, and to the DV support worker.
Am so grateful you all believed me, means ever such a lot, and am sure I wouldn't have reached out for help otherwise. So glad I opened up here that day.
Feeling ever so sad too that I'll have to leave him, I'll miss him! And be so sorry to hurt him, part of me really doesn't want to leave!
For the first time in I don't know how long I've some hope my life might actually get better, that it's possible at least even if I've no idea how I'll cope.
Still frightened when I see the support worker and talk in more depth that they will say I'm sorry but you've got it all wrong what you are describing isn't abuse at all and it's nasty of you to try and steal a place in a refuge from a woman who really needs it.
I guess I can bring this fear up with them?