02/08/2024
https://www.nj.com/news/2024/01/coercive-control-is-now-a-form-of-domestic-violence-under-nj-law-heres-what-it-means.html
This is wildly bittersweet. After sharing my story privately (and eluding not so privately), I’ve learned that, sadly, my story is not unique. It’s not rare. I’m not the exception. Domestic Violence comes in many forms. It’s starts with control and it only gets worse.
I’m oddly grateful that my abuse was *just* getting shoved against walls, being thrown on the floor, getting choked, pulled down the stairs, ***but it didn’t start there. It started with control. Who I should hang out with, where I should work, when I should work, IF I should work, how money was spent, who I should talk to… getting belittled and being told I have to respect him and back him up because he paid for everything… I was called a “selfish bitch”, I was told I was stupid (in front of my kids), I was told I was the one who started the fights, I hit him first… I could be here all day.
Unfortunately, at the time of my divorce, the court overlooked all of this.
I’m not posting this for sympathy or “I’m so sorry you dealt with that”. I’m sharing because I know I’m not the only one. I know there are other women out there that need to read this and know there is help out there. Please share if you feel you or someone you know is experiencing this type of abuse. This is where is begins. 💔❤️🩹
The new law could make it easier when victims go to court for restraining orders or child custody cases, advocates say.
