Breaking Free From an Abusive Marriageਨਮੂਨਾ

When Love Hurts – The Reality of Abuse

During my pregnancy, I suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum-a severe form of morning sickness that left me weak and hospitalized multiple times. I couldn’t eat or drink without vomiting. I was exhausted and depressed, unable to work or care for the house. The issue with other women in my husbands' life still simmered beneath the surface. One day, during an argument, I laughed nervously, and he slapped me across the face. I was pregnant. I couldn’t believe it. He apologized immediately, promising it wouldn’t happen again. I believed him. I pretended nothing was wrong, not realizing this was only the beginning of physical abuse.

After our child was born, the abuse escalated. Arguments turned physical more often. I remember the day he pushed me out of the house barefoot, telling me, “Dogs stay outside.” I wanted to run back inside to my sleeping baby but was forbidden. I walked two kilometers barefoot to a friend’s home, scared and broken. I wondered what I had done to deserve such hatred. Later that day I was told that it was my fault, that I had brought this out in Him. Somewhere deep inside, I knew this wasn’t right. It wasn’t safe. God’s Word condemns violence and oppression. Abuse is never part of God’s plan for marriage. “Till death do us part” does not mean accepting harm.

When I was experiencing abuse, it was hard to believe that God saw my pain or cared about what I was going through. But over time, I realized that God truly hates violence and never intended for me to live in fear. I wasn’t alone, even when I felt isolated and ashamed. I had to remind myself that I deserved safety, respect, and love. Reaching out for help was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it opened the door to healing and freedom. With God’s help, I found the strength to choose a new path.