Emotional abuse occurs in epidemic proportions but in society, this form of battering continues to remain mostly unacknowledged. As a nation, we must affirm a commitment to those who are suffering in these relationships that strip individuality, self-esteem, confidence and functionality. To create a provision of assistance as a national norm, an educational delivery system has to be implemented. Anyone tragically existing with emotional battering deserves a nationwide embrace. All communities should be encouraged to share and provide education and support for those who live the day-to-day painful survival that comes with emotional abuse. Time has come for us to demonstrate the highest level of dedication to these individuals and specifically women. It is time to teach through our words and our actions. It is time to universally acknowledge this destructive and paralyzing form of abuse is the precursor to a majority of future social issues and violent crime. The time for action is now.

Every moment of every day, suffering from emotional abuse exists. The majority of the causalities are women and they believe they are alone. They believe they are responsible and deserve the treatment handed down to them. They are unable and unwilling to consider they are only one of millions. Nor do they consciously understand they deserve to live a life without emotional manslaughter. The corrosive effect of emotional abuse is far reaching. The loss to society is immense and incalculable. The enormous magnitude and tragic consequences impact a woman's goals, relationships, health care usage, parenting, loss of business productivity, addictions, poverty level, homelessness and her desire to live.

The relevance of correlating the link between PTSD and emotional abuse in women must become obvious. The injurious effects of emotional abuse is not a one and done trauma. Even if an individual removes herself from the relationship, time and time again previous perceptions, brainwashing and totally debilitating beliefs will undermine her, thrusting her back into the past. Emotional abuse has to become accepted as a life long injury. Combined efforts can provide widespread education and awareness that recognizes emotional abuse as the cancer it truly is. The end result will make society cognizant and sensitive to the multitude of distinctions that define emotional abuse including prevailing flashbacks.

Statistics get our attention. We shake our head abhorred at what we hear and read. We then take on a cause in part because of the prevalence. There is no more common cruel and devastating action than emotional abuse. There isn't an accurate statistical summary for the scares and bruises of emotional battering are on the psyche and soul and are held in silence. Each woman is more than a statistic though. She is a survivor. She survives in spite of all that happens to her. These women need us. As a society, we need them. They have a brave and incredible spirit and do not know it. It is time to teach not only through our words but our actions. My workshops are formulated to make this a reality.

Ruth Cole
Director