This is part one of a two-part story from Sarah, who lives in Australia.
Sarah and her siblings grew up in New Zealand under the tyrannical reign of a merciless stepfather. This man ruled their home with an iron fist that was directed mostly at Sarah's mother. For ten years, they needed to be on guard from his abusive behavior. Her mother bore the brunt of his emotional and physical abuse. It was fortunate her mother survived.
When she was old enough to be on her own, Sarah moved away to Australia and married a man who embodied the strength she thought was needed in a husband. They had three children, but she found no power in her life. She was strictly a support person for this man who was emotionally and verbally abusive to her. That marriage failed.
One of Sarah's daughter's, Charlotte, the middle child, was quite strong willed. When Charlotte was in her late teens, she met a man and had a baby with him. There were warning signs in plain view, but these were dismissed by Charlotte. That relationship carries on even today and is a constant worry for Sarah.
We thank Sarah for asking to tell her multi-generational story of abuse. There is much to be heard and learned in this narrative.

NOTE:
If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com
The WHEN DATING HURTS book (paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can only be found on Amazon.

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,
Bill Mitchell
WhenDatingHurts.com
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices