Domestic & Family Violence Story

Jenny

Domestic & Family Violence Program

The Many Forms of Domestic Violence

On March 14, 2014, Jenny called KFAM’s 24-hour domestic violence hotline. Crying, she knew she needed help. Five months later, Jenny is free from violence in the home and lives a happier life.

My first marriage ended in divorce due to domestic violence. In 2009, I met my second husband. He attracted me with his bright smile, comforting words and kind attention. After three years of dating, we got married.

My new mother-in-law was verbally abusive. Although we didn’t live with her, I took care of her house chores. The relationship was difficult, but I hoped that things would get better. When I confided in my husband, he blamed me and said that I was making her unhappy. The abuse worsened, and eventually my husband moved back in with my mother-in-law in order to appease her. I rarely saw him except when he would visit once a week to have intercourse. Since he had helped me and my daughter obtain our green cards, I felt obligated and complied with his demands. This pattern went on for months, and I became unhappy and lonely. One day I refused, and he forced himself on me. After that, I felt afraid, worthless, and depressed. This wasn’t physical abuse like my first marriage. But I later learned that verbal, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse also constitute domestic violence.

"This wasn’t physical abuse like my first marriage. I later learned that verbal, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse also constitute domestic violence."

A neighbor encouraged me to reach out to KFAM for help. Through DV counseling and Life Beyond support group, I found hope that I could be freed from this nightmare, as well as the confidence to take control of my life. Also, I found myself for the first time. This is what I wish for all those who are enduring abuse — take courage, knock on KFAM’s door, and find help.