Victims oftentimes blame themselves; believing that if they were to do more or do better, the abuse, in turn, will stop. WRONG! In the eyes of an abuser, nothing will ever be good enough therefore giving them justification to continue the abuse.

You are not alone. Unfortunately, there are many women who suffer with you. Most women stay because that have not yet identified their abuse as being abuse while others are simply too afraid to leave. If you are in denial, please visit the following link: www.hiddenhurt.co.uk/Abuser/signs.htm

Founded in 2009 by Philadelphia radio personality Mo'Shay LaRen, Love Yourself is a campaign meant to inspire and uplift women of all ages and ethnicities to begin the process of healing and the restoration of self-love. Through a series of empowerment sessions, town hall meetings and events, Love Yourself will bring awareness to the issue of the silent epidemic known as domestic violence. The dichotomy of the Love Yourself campaign is, while organizing groups of women who have been or are currently involved in abusive relationships, it will also focus on self-love and sisterhood. We will create events and activities to support both goals. We will work steadily to build strategic alliances with other organizations to combine efforts and resources.

There are countless resources to aide and assist you with getting out safely, but it starts with you. Look in the mirror and love the person staring back at you. We are all God's children. PSALMS 139:14 tells us: "We are fearfully and wonderfully made..." So why would a God who promised to love us, give permission to anyone else to abuse what he has so wonderfully and delicately created?

I firmly believe the lack of self love makes you susceptible to becoming a victim of abuse. If you do not first fall in love with yourself, you cannot possibly think of giving or receiving healthy love from another. Today I charge you to stand up and take back your life, esteem yourself and take the pledge from this day forward.