“Memories demand attention, and these memories will have teeth.” The pain that survivors, who have experienced domestic violence, carry can be indelible. The month of October is observed as ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month.’ To mark the importance of the month, the ‘Little Miss Sunshine’ star Abigail Breslin has come out with her tragic experience of domestic violence.
The Oscar-nominated actress has proved her mettle in the industry since her child artist days. She is widely remembered and recognized as an ambitious little girl, Olive. Now, the actress has shared her fatal domestic violence story which lasted for two years on her Instagram.
“I Felt Ugly And Hated”: Abigail Breslin On Domestic Violence In Her Relationship
The ‘Jean Fordham’ actor voiced her story via Instagram about being a domestic violence survivor. The actress decided to share her story to mark ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ and highlight the work of National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Abigail was in an abusive relationship for two years which was a hell ride for her. In her Instagram post, she gave a trigger warning for ‘sexual abuse (sa) and domestic violence (dv) content.’
She recalled how her partner turned abuser and how she was “beaten up on a regular basis.” She shared,“I was in a very abusive relationship for close to 2 years. It all started out perfectly, I was so in love. Unfortunately, my abuser took advantage of my innocence and naïveté and the relationship subsequently became violent. I was beaten on a regular basis, locked into rooms and forced to pretend everything was ok and normal while dealing with intense injuries… injuries most people didn’t even see.”
The actress hid those scars from injuries with cosmetics aid. She also got vulnerable about how self-loathing behavior emerged for her during the abuse episode. “The physical injuries were also accompanied by a plethora of put downs, shaming and harsh verbal abuse,” Breslin shared. “I felt ugly and hated. I felt like I deserved less than dirt.“
Also Read: Charlize Theron to Halle Berry, 10 Hollywood Celebrities Who Are Domestic Abuse Survivors
“I Am Healing”: The Actress Thanked Her Loved Ones For Their Support
When you go through a serious abusive patch, the healing is difficult. The statistics say that 31-84% of victims go through Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, the healing also depends on the support of the surrounding. The ‘Maggie’ actress shared that she felt very lonely for those two years. But, she also extended gratitude to her family and friends. She wrote, “I am beyond thankful for the support of my family and friends who played an instrumental and invaluable role in helping me leave this horrible situation. I will forever be indebted to those closest to me for them not only assisting me but, BELIEVING me.”
Breslin is engaged to Ira Kunyansky post her abusive relationship. “I now am in a wonderful, healthy, happy and amazing relationship with my fiancé. My C-PTSD (complex post traumatic stress disorder) is much better than it was in the first 2 years after my abusive relationship.”
She continued, “But, I still have moments. I still occasionally have nightmares, and certain things still do trigger me. I am still healing.”
Also Read: Ricky Martin Reacts To Domestic Violence Allegations After Police Issues Restraining Order
