| His Home Is His Castle |
| Introduction and Warning |
| I started this story almost a year ago, but other stories, along with real life, kept it in my "unfinished stories" folder until now. When I heard Faith Hill sing "His Home Is His Castle" for the first time, it chilled me to the bone. Although my ex-husband wasn't physically abusive, I knew first-hand how it felt to live in Linda's situation. I started doing research, and when I read some of the reports of how domestic violence was treated, and viewed, in the late 70's and early 80's, I was appalled. True, there were shelters for battered women, and restraining orders, but the overall opinion was it was simply a woman's lot in life if she had an abusive husband. Physical and emotional abuse was something a woman had to endure in order to be "taken care of". The man was king and he ruled over everything in his kingdom, including his wife. He brought home the money, so his word was law. Like Anita, it took me three tries to finally leave my ex-husband for good. I had three young children and worked at a minimum wage job. I remember calling several government agencies, asking what kind of assistance I could get if I left my husband. To this day, I can remember what one worker in the Department of Social Services told me. When I explained that I had three kids and made only $4.35 an hour (this was in 1992), she told me that it might be better financially if I stayed with him and simply endured the emotional abuse. After all, he worked on a tow boat, and was gone for 28 days at a time. Since he was home for only 14, maybe it was better if I just "rode it out". After all, he wasn't home all the time. Thank God I didn't listen to her. I was really saddened when I found out that she wasn't the only government worker that held that opinion. Now, ten years later, I hope things are better for battered women. Things haven't always been easy for me since I left my ex. I still struggle financially, and shoulder the burden of my own support, but I've never regretted the decision to leave him. Despite the financial stress, I can't imagine going back to a life of fear, abuse, and that horrible feeling of walking on egg shells. I've never written a story for any reason other than entertainment, but if this story helps anyone in the same situation as Linda Brewer, it will make the 13 years I spent in Hell worth it. There is help out there, if you want it. No one, woman or man, should have to spend their life in fear. Now for the warning: This story is about spouse abuse. There are scenes of graphic violence, strong language and adult situations. However, there is no rape scenes included. There are some subjects I simply cannot write about. If the subject of this story upsets you, please don't read. No story is worth your peace of mind. Pat L. July 28, 2004 You can get to the story by clicking on the links below. |
| His Home Is His Castle: |