Recognize Violence

Recognize Violence

Love and respect give us room to be ourselves—to speak, disagree, say no, and make our own choices without fear.

To recognize violence, notice what happens when you exercise those freedoms. Are you heard and respected—or punished with insults, threats, humiliation, or harm? Do you find yourself staying silent, hiding ordinary decisions, or giving up friendships to avoid someone’s reaction? Listen, too, to the uneasiness in your heart: the dread before someone comes home, the tension when their name appears on your phone, or the feeling that you must carefully weigh every word.

These feelings do not always mean violence is taking place, but they deserve attention. You should not have to dismiss your discomfort to keep someone else happy. Violence is not always physical. It can appear as control disguised as care, jealousy presented as love, or obedience demanded as respect.

Someone may claim to love you, but love never gives them the right to hurt you or take away your freedom.

Love allows freedom, and respect accepts boundaries. Neither should require you to live in fear.

You deserve both love and respect.