This is it in a nutshell. And if we never recognize it, we just keep choosing people over and over again that treat us the way we are accustomed to being treated.

It’s a hard cycle to break.

But then, there is that tiny part that says: Oh yeah? You don’t remember the drunken “partying” that usually ended in some kind of humiliation? Those few-and-far-between moments that you just gritted your teeth to live through, until the next time? Because all the rest of the time, everything was fine? Mmm. Had there been any physical violence, I think I would have walked. Had I needed to protect a child or a sibling, I’m sure I’d have done much more.

Yeah, I think there’s a little Stacy in there.

We all deserve that much.

I had a discussion today with someone about gun control. I admitted openly with the different incidents of violence I endured…either I would be dead right now or sitting in jail myself if there had been a gun in my home.

No, killing her father didn’t make it right. However I do understand wanting to end it. In my case I left home and threatened as long as he left my sisters alone, I wouldn’t go to the police.

When he died 5 years later, I sent the biggest bouquet of flowers I could to his funeral. Sad? No, I was celebrating his demise. Maybe it’s cruel but anyone who can inflict sexual or violent abuse on someone…doesn’t deserve my sympathy. The fact that Stacey ended up going down that path herself, isn’t the same. At some point she did the only thing she felt she had left for herself – to protect her sister and finally defend herself.

I could see myself as a Stacey easily. (Hugs)Indigo

You are correct in more ways than one. Everyone of us is some form Stacey who has walked that walk. I walk proud, confident, and I hold my head high.