October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but this is an area that requires daily awareness.

On average, a person will return to an abusive relationship seven times. I have heard people say they don’t understand how anyone could return to an abusive environment, but let’s show some compassion rather than judgment.

The abuser starts with isolation. Cutting off family and friends means they have begun to exert control over the other person. It begins subtly, then it escalates. The abused are manipulated and beaten down emotionally and, oftentimes, physically. Their self-worth has been destroyed, causing further reliance on their abuser for any validation.

The abused hold on to hope their abuser will change. There are occasional bright spots. The abused are so low they begin to convince themselves that “it’s not that bad.” It’s a living hell no one should live in.

The cycle can be broken. It takes courage you may not know you have. Find it no matter how deep you have to dig. There is a better life on the other side of hell.

The number for the Domestic Abuse Center is: 800-799-SAFE (800-799-7233) or you may text START to 88788. Make the call.