Written by Lauren Rose, as told by "Jessica" When I first met Charles, I was coming off a very recent, very messy breakup with a college boyfriend who had been physically abusive to me during our two-year relationship. Charles was clearly very well educated (having...
Written by Lauren, as told by Laurie By the time I was born, my mom had already been married to, and lived with, my abusive dad for over three years. The abuse she experienced was related to control: he was never satisfied with her, and wanted to recreate her in an...
As told by "Kasey," written by Lauren Rose When I was first dating my soon-to-be husband, it didn’t take long for several red flags to begin appearing…but I was too young, naïve, and love-starved to recognize them. Immediately after we married, he suddenly wanted...
As told by "Hermosa Mariposa,” written by Lauren Rose When I first met my soon-to-be husband, he seemed to be very loving and caring, and everything I ever wanted in a husband…but looking back, now I see that what looked like "care" was actually the beginning of...
As told by “Mercy” and written by Lauren Rose When I first met my husband, he made me feel special, unlike anyone else. Most of our time together was spent studying the Bible, or discussing what God was doing in our lives. I was a new believer, and had just broken up...
Written anonymously by one of our superstar volunteers. She is heavily involved in both our Church Partnership and Advocacy programs, assisting us in ways that many are unaware of. Our impact has been very influenced by the expertise, gifts, and skills she offers...
As told by "Natasha," with assistance in writing by Lauren Rose Dear Supporter of CTPM, Two years ago, I entered a CTPM support group and was assigned an advocate. These women have been supporting me in all areas of healing. As I have been processing the painful...
By River Grace Outlaw It happens…a lot. Domestic violence rates are substantially higher in military couples. Let me preface this story with my awareness that my story is just one experience out of many, and every story is different. I was a starstruck bride as we...
By: Joy Forrest This has been one of the hardest years of my life, and that’s saying a lot, because I have suffered greatly in my time on this earth. Yet, in all my trials and tribulations, I have learned that suffering can be a beautiful opportunity to connect to...
As told by Catherine, written by Lauren Rose Catherine connected with Priscilla, a Called to Peace Ministries advocate, to help a friend. But as she began talking with Priscilla, her own story spilled out. Physical abuse was heavy at the beginning of our marriage, but...
By: Joy Forrest Perhaps in recent years you’ve noticed that a mean spirit has become pervasive in our culture. It’s most apparent on social media where anybody, and everybody, can express their opinions loudly and publicly without regard for others. It has not only...
Part Two: as told by “Christine,” written by Lauren Rose Remember Part One: "Christine" whose church introduced her to love after abuse? In the first part of her previous story, she asked her pastoral care pastor, "How can someone understand covenant love when the...