Domestic Violence and Spousal Abuse

This person was in a seriously physically, mentally and emotionally abusive, broken relationship. She takes photos of herself for a year, and you can see her confidence in herself, and her zest for life disappear into sadness and depression and emptiness.

The photos are disturbing, especially near the end. 
http://themindunleashed.org/2014/08/woman-takes-photo-every-day-1-year-long-end-disturbing.html

Please, if this is you-- or a friend, get help. You can Stay in Women's Shelters or Domestic Abuse Shelters, or File Assault Charges against your partner. You can file for a Restraining Order, or for a Protective Order. Protect yourself and your children. Legal Assistance/ Lawyers are available from your state to help you, if you are in the USA. You are not alone! Please seek help!

Spousal or Partner Abuse does not have to be physical to seek help. Physical Abuse most likely occurs with Emotional and Verbal Abuse. Emotional and Verbal Abuse hurts just as bad, and some argue more than physical abuse. 

From the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition

Call 911 now if you are in danger or have an emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call 1-800-897-LINK (5465) for fully confidential help. The Utah LINKline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

What Is Domestic Violence?

We define domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.

Where to Get Help

The Statewide Domestic Violence Info-line will LINK you to free help, including counseling, shelter, and other services.

Call 1-800-897-LINK (5465). The LINKline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

(http://udvc.org/utah-domestic-violence-help/find-help Information taken from The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition's Website)

Signs of An Abusive Relationship

Do you:

• Feel afraid of your partner much of the time
• Avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner
• Feel that you can’t do anything right for your partner
• Believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated
• Wonder if you’re the one who is crazy
• Feel emotionally numb or helpless 
• Feel spirit broken

Does your partner:

• Humiliate, criticize, or yell at you
• Treat you so badly that you’re embarrassed for friends or family to see
• Ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments
• Blame you for his or her abusive behavior
• See you as property or a sex object rather than a person
• Have a bad and unpredictable temper
• Hurt you or threaten to hurt or kill you
• Threaten to take your children away or harm them
• Threaten to commit suicide if you leave
• Force you to have sex
• Destroy your belongings
• Act excessively jealous and possessive
• Control where you go or what you do
• Prevent you from seeing friends or family
• Limit your access to money, a phone, the car
• Constantly check up on you

(Information from the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition's Website http://udvc.org/utah-domestic-violence-help/find-help)

Studying Past LDS General Conference Talks

As a Member of the LDS Faith, I am reviewing, reading and watching highlights from the April 2014 General Conference, as well as other years. I found one from 2009 from President Monson-  I will share some of them here. The purpose of doing this is to prepare myself spiritually for the upcoming General Conference and it's messages. To help my family and myself live the words of the Apostles and our Dear Prophet. Not just listen to them. I hope that my sharing of these messages and the thoughts I have from them- will help others besides myself.

Full Talk and Video- https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/grateful-in-any-circumstances?lang=eng

Love - The Essence of the Gospel

Full Talk and Video- https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/love-the-essence-of-the-gospel?lang=eng

When President Monson talks about how love and forgiveness need to be the essence of the gospel, I know I need to work harder to forgive others. I need to be forgiven often, I need to always forgive others and extend that forgiveness freely. Instead of being afraid of being hurt. 

Full Talk land Video- https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng

This talk had a deep impact on me in April and Now. I know of things I need to repent of- people I should make relationships right with- and people I should forgive. I need to become more like Christ. Showing and extending forgiveness as much as I need it- which is always. I really need to work on this. Regardless of others decisions, I need to work on treating all of God's Children with love and respect. I need to read the Book of Mormon more often and read of the testifying of our Savior and his matchless gifts of love, forgiveness and repentance.

Be Your Best Self Priesthood Session President Monson 2009

Full Talk and Video- https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2009/04/be-your-best-self?lang=eng