this one is hard to share

[Liza]

Those of you that are friends with me on facebook know that I recently hurt my back. What I didn't share publically is how I hurt it.

My father hit me. Several times.

He threw me against the staircase 4 times while he was drunk and I bruised my tailbone, also have bruises up and down my arms from where he grabbed me.

I called the police, but decided not to press charges.

I haven't spoken to him since it happened. He'll be home tomorrow. I'm going to ask for prayers, because I'm not sure how I'm going to get through this.

[AKA]

Oh my god, Emily. I'm so sorry; that's beyond deplorable. While I don't want to speak ill of your father, any "man" who would intentionally hurt their child--grown or not--is no kind of man at all. I'm a father myself, and I couldn't imagine acting that way toward my son, for any reason. From the heart of a dad, you're absolutely deserving of that kind of unconditional love.

While I understand and respect your decision to not press charges, you need to take steps to ensure this doesn't happen again. Please be careful, and make sure you protect your body and your heart. I hope you feel better soon.

[Janice]

Dear God Emily, that is just terrible. I can't even imagine how you feel. Your decision to not press charge is yours and you alone; still, had it been me, I think I would have pressed charges. I'm surprised that the state didn't anyway. Many states will, depending on their laws.

Those injuries sound just awful. My husband sprained his back two months ago, and he really suffered. He's still seeing a physical therapist. I'm very sorry for what you're going through, and you have my prayers. As for your father, I'd just do my best to stay out of his way, especially if he's still drinking. That man needs help.

Talk and vent all you need to. We're all your friends here, and we're all here for you.

[Family Ties Forever!]

Wow, that is terrible. Alcohol can turn some people into mean and abusive individuals. Some of them already are and alcohol makes it worse. I would recommend staying away from him. Hopefully it won't happen again. If it does, I think pressing charges would be the best thing to do, imo.

[treky]

o my god Emily, that's just..just..HORRIBLE!! Any father who would do that to his own daughter,whether he's drunk or sober, is not a father in my book. I can understand your decision not to press charges, and I respect it, but if it ever happens again, DEFINETALY do it!
Sweetie, a man like that shouldn't even be allowed to have kids. Like Janice said, whenever you feel the need to vent, we're all willing to listen on this board, RIGHT EVERYONE?

Take care sweetie!!

[AB]

I'm so sorry to hear this, I hope everything will be alright for you. Is there somewhere else you could stay? Maybe with another relative or close friend. I'll keep you in my thoughts & prayers.

[Liza]

Thank you so much guys. I hope you know how much I appreciate it. I've been my father's daughter for 30 years and this is the first time he's ever hurt me, that's why I decided not to show all my injuries to the police. I did however take pictures of all my bruises. I don't think my dad realizes how hard he hit me. In fact I doubt he remembers much of the incident at all.

[Marvo301]

I'm so sorry this happened to you and for how it happened. You are in my prayers!

[Liza]

Thank you for the support everyone. My dad came home and unfortunatley he tried to place the blame on me. I'm so disappointed in him. He saw my bruises and he said "That's from when you fell down the stairs." It still hurts. I think I may end up leaving the house soon - especially considering the fact that my tailbone STILL hurts after 2 weeks...

My boyfriend is so mad at my dad, he's told me I shouldn't have any respect for my father anymore. I don't quite believe that - he's been good to me for 30 years, I can't just let that go, but this is still so hard to get through.

I have a few options open. I have friends in South Carolina and California and Indiana that are willing to take me in and help me with my college tuition. I still have a lot of decisions to make and none of them are easy. I still appreciate all of your prayers.

Love, Liza

[AKA]

I'm so sorry. I can't imagine how agonizing that must be. Maybe some distance between you and your father is exactly what is needed, though you don't necessarily need to leave the state. In any case, I wish you the very best.

[Yooch]

Liza,
I am so, so sorry to hear about this. No one ever deserves to be treated like this. Please stay safe and don't let yourself be put into the same situation where it could happen again. I will certainly keep you in my prayers, and appreciate your courage in sharing this. Gene

[Liza]

Well it's been several weeks and the bruises have gone down, but my back is still hurting - in fact now I seem to get back spasms whenever I'm stressed (and living with my parents is full of stress). I'm still not sure what I'm going to do. I'm not quite ready to move all the way to California, but I am still considering leaving the state. I love my parents, but staying around them is toxic. I need to make the decision on what is best for me, and not feel guilty about it. Maybe moving back to Pennsylvania or Michigan is the right answer. I don't know. I'm praying a lot and trying to figure out what the best thing to do is. In the meantime, I can't tell you how much I appreciate everyone's good thoughts and wishes.

-em