The Bea Line
The word “freedom” is probably heard more during the month of July than at any other time of the year. During July it comes up often as we talk about our Independence from Britain and we celebrate all those who have sacrificed to make our country and us free. Here at the WCA we talk about freedom all the time as it relates to having the freedom to make individual choices.
At the heart of abusive relationships is the active effort to exert power and control over another individual to the point that they are not free, or do not feel free, to make any choices for themselves. This can be exhibited in so many ways: not able to decide what to wear, who to associate with, where to live, what to eat, how to spend money – the list goes on and on. Once patterns are firmly established it gets to the point where an individual does not feel capable of making a decision and doesn’t even remember what it is that used to bring them joy! As we celebrate our country’s freedom this month, remember also to celebrate your individual freedom to make decisions and be grateful that you can decide for yourself what brings you happiness and joy.
