Men trapped in abusive relationships. Some of you may be thinking, Did she just write men? Some say there is a double standard for men who are the ones being abused.
But, one local woman says that needs to change.
Lizabeth Stahl knows the pain firsthand. For her, the holidays are meant to be a time to spend with family. But, this will be the seventh Christmas she must try to celebrate without her son, James, also known as “Jim Eddy.”
Lizabeth smiles as she remembers her son, I wish you could have met him. He was always the clown, just have you laughing!
But, that laughter is now silent. Almost seven years ago, at the age of 34, James was killed by his abusive, live-in girlfriend. Now, Lizabeth honors James with an altar in her breakfast nook. Pictures of James and Jesus, crosses, candles, and dried flowers from his funeral adorn the table.
Until now, Lizabeth has grieved quietly. However, she feels as Christmas approaches, now is the time she should open up about something that has caused her, and her children and grandchildren so much pain.
She recalls, From what I was told at the funeral, from people at work would hide him, to protect him from her but he would always go back.
She hopes her sons murder will help give a voice to men who are either too afraid or too embarrassed to reach out.
Through tears, Lizabeth says, I cant bring him back and my arms ache to hold him but hopefully he can help someone else.
She says her message is one of hope: If I could give a gift at Christmas, if James could give a gift at Christmas, it would be to help; if it was just one man.
National statistics say one out nine men will be abused by a loved one in their lifetime. And, there is help.
The Bexar County Family Justice Center provides free legal services, counseling and other assistance to victims of domestic violence — both men and women. The phone number is (210) 208-6800 and the Web site is bcfjc.org. Another place to turn is the Family Violence Prevention Services also located in Bexar County. The number to FVPS is (210) 733-8810 and Web site is FVPS.org. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is (800) 799-SAFE.
Lizabeth relies on her strong faith in God and her children and grandchildren to cope with the loss of her son.
http://antimisandry.com/
http://www.glennsacks.com/
http://www.mensnewsdaily.com/
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