It can be quite overwhelming to recognize that you are being abused by someone you trust or love. Many only define abuse as physical and overlook the emotional, mental, financial, and spiritual abuse that is happening all around you. The first definition given in the Merriam-Webster dictionary for abuse is “a corrupt practice or custom”. This has to do with the overall state of being and not just a physical act. But, could knowing and fully understanding the definition of abuse bring any change to the situation? I think it is worth a try.
Maybe if you realized that you were being abused when someone degrades, belittles, or gossips about you in public or in private, then there would be more discussions or more outrage about abuse. I believe that those who stay silent about the abuse they have suffered would speak out about their circumstances. And would more people who do the abusing be made accountable for their actions if you understood what abuse really is? This is a big question to ask yourself.
To clarify, a person who abuses another person has developed “a corrupt practice or custom”. I think we know how to change bad habits within ourselves, but everyone is given a choice. Some choose to keep and hold on to their bad customs because of their own dealings with abuse, but that is no excuse to overlook the behavior. Society as a whole is responsible for holding everyone accountable for abuse patterns and developing change. I guess this a reminder from me that this is still a social problem.
Remember to live your life victoriously!
