Janet Rhodes
Bio
A mum, a Survivor of Domestic Abuse and a woman who battles PTSD. Sharing to Empower others!
Stories (7/0)
Making Our Way Through the Muck
Tonight my middle child, my youngest daughter, made me cry. We were sitting around the supper table remembering when my youngest daughter and her brother first met my husband. We talked about their first reactions and we laughed about them. As we cleared the table my daughter said, “You know mum I remember that I wasn’t very nice to you (at that time). I feel bad about that and I am sorry how I treated you back then.” I gave her a hug and told her how she was but a young child then and she was going through a lot; her father and I had split up and he had been abusive to all of us. I told her that I bared a lot from all three of my children at that time, but I had big shoulders and took it because I knew they were hurting. We hugged and she said she was sorry and that she loved me. I am grateful for her apology.
By Janet Rhodes6 years ago in Families
The Day I Went on Trial
Just over two years ago I went on trial for my ex sexually assaulting me continually in the last nine months of our marriage. Yes, I was on trial, or at least that is how it played out in court. My words and my actions were scrutinized under a microscope for all to see while my ex sat there.
By Janet Rhodes6 years ago in Criminal
Are You Always Going to Pick an Abuser?
As a newly remarried woman I have definitely had this question cross my mind; just because my first marriage was abusive does that mean my second one will be too? It's a heavy question and an important question for anyone to ask, especially if they have already been in an abusive relationship.
By Janet Rhodes6 years ago in Viva
Grooming
Grooming, for many it is a normal word, something we do to a pet. It has two definitions in the dictionary; 1. look after the coat of (a horse, dog, or other animal) by brushing and cleaning it 2. prepare or train (someone) for a particular purpose or activity. In an abusive relationship grooming is the second definition and it is a horrible thing. The abuser trains or prepares their victim for further abuse. It is done so subtly that often the victim does not even realize it is happening, nor do those around them.
By Janet Rhodes6 years ago in Families
When You Love Someone, It Is Ok To Give Up
Recently I was scrolling through my timeline on Facebook and I saw this photo, it said, "When you love someone you don't give up, ever." I stopped for a moment and thought about that. Normally in a healthy relationship I would agree. In an abusive one though, this sentiment is like a jail sentence.
By Janet Rhodes6 years ago in Humans