Domestic abuse can increase around the holidays. Men who beat and abuse their partners emotionally and physically need to be exposed for what they are: cowards of the worst sort who do not even deserve to be called human beings.

They will try to deny they did anything, or say their partner drove them to it, or, even worse, their wife and children are their property and they have the right. Some will even quote Scripture and declare that God himself gives them the right. “Keeping women in their place” — I have heard this over and over.

But the abused ones have some power. If you are being abused, petition the courts for a protection from abuse order. Call a domestic violence hotline, which can help you find emergency shelter and provide legal and medical referrals. Do not wait!

Don’t think the abuser will change, because he never will. Evidence shows that abuse will escalate, sometimes causing serious injury or even death. The abuser will try to brainwash you and threaten you. Do not let him succeed. Expose him. Speak up. Emergency rooms are required to ask if you are being abused. Say “Yes, I am.”

I weep for the women in this situation. So, this holiday season, put the screws to them and make this the best Christmas present you could ever give to yourself, your children and other women as well.

God bless you, each and every one — from someone who has been where you are now.

Charlene F. Layhew

Brownsville

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