During any form of abuse, the victims are forced into a solitude that if not unbroken, can easily become a way of life. We have no friends or anyone to love, which isn’t surprising since so many times, we have no love of ourselves. We feel alone because we have been forced by our abusers to be alone.
Thanks to their programming we often feel unworthy of love, affection or even the basics of personal care. We are brainwashed to believe we were ugly, stupid, clumsy, dirty, evil and most importantly, guilty.
We kept “Daddy’s” or “Bubba’s” secrets, we wore sunglasses and makeup to cover the bruises or we were too ashamed to tell of a date that went terribly wrong. By internalizing these secrets and feelings they all too often overflowed and began to eat away at our souls
Some found comfort in food, others felt the need to be in control of something in their lives so they withheld the food. Still others took out their pain in cutting or burning themselves, drugs or alcohol. Then there are the ones who couldn’t touch another as well as the ones who believed sex was the only way to find love.
Within this month's issue you will find stories of survivors who survived the only way they knew how. Some of them are still using these self-destructive coping skills. To all, we wish to applaud the courage it took to tell your story.
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Defiant Addictions
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Susan Maree Jeavon's article explores some of the possible reasons abused children become addicted to drugs, cigarettes, alcohol and food.
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My Guardian Angel Works Overtime
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Heidi Kaminski's very personal story touches on so many issues survivors deal with.
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Fight For Survival
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Danielle's story is one of abandonment and undaunted courage.
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The Run Aways
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Carol Huber's very personal account of being a survivor trying to deal with recovery.
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My Father Beat Us (So I Ate!)
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Kerry Little describes the road to love an comfort so many survivors take.
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Rebuilding Life After Domestic Abuse
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Connie Whiting takes the reader on an incredibly courageous journey that begins at an end.
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I Don't Understand Grown-Up Love
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David Perry discusses domestic abuse from a man's point of view.
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Things Of Comfort
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Tenna Perry's poem describes her ways of dealing with emotions and memories.
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Things Of Comfort Part Two
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Tenna Perry's article describes something more than just her eating disorder that she uses to escape the memories of abuse.
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A Hunger To Be Free
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Leslie Shaw's courageous story of a problem few will admit to.
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Looking Bad - Trying Not To Look Good
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Valerie Smith tells us how our "style" is often the result of our past.
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Solitude
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Tenna Perry's complete poem.
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Sandy's Story
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Sandy's story is one of abuse, alcohol and the need to feel again.
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All I Can Do
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Carol Huber's touching poem about abuse and those who love the abused.
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Self-Defense
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Tenna Perry has written two indepth special reports on self-defense. One is for adults, the other is for children of all ages.
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Curiosity Didn’t Kill Just The Cat!
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Tenna Perry’s article on personal safety at home and work.
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Survivor Haven is for all!
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Many survivors find comfort in the Christian God. Some do not. We have many readers of other faiths such as Pagan, Islam, Buddism and Judaism as well as readers who are Agnostic, Atheist and Unitarianism. It is our hope that all will find something in Survivor Haven that will touch their lives and in some way help them.
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Victim Metamorphosis - A Christian Perspective
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Judy Fulton's response to a request to explain God "allowing" abuse.
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The Turn Of A Wheel
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Michelle Smith's poem about finding her own path and special faith.
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Survivor Haven Art Gallery
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We are proud to announce the opening of the following four rooms to the Art Gallery.
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Earth, Wind, Fire and Water
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Visit one of our newest rooms in the Survivor Haven Art Gallery and see the majesty of The Elements.
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Of Christian Faith
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Our Christian Faith room has also been added this month to the Art Gallery.
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Faith, Hope And Angels
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Are there angels watching over us? Each of us must decide for ourselves but until then, you may enjoy looking at our angels.
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Of Gods and Goddesses
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Contrary to popular belief, Pagan does not mean Satanism, black masses or evil curses. It does convey a respect for the Earth, Moon, Sun and all living creatures.
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Interview With God
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Rose Gowett sent me the link to this lovely page. Regardless of your faith, its message could apply to all.
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Advice For Life
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Barbara Vanover's excellent advice for life!
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The Future Of Survivor Haven
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Tenna Perry discusses the things to come at Survivor Haven
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Survivor Haven Newsletter
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