My daughter & grandson coming home

My daughter that lives in California and I have been talking a lot lately and she has always sounded sad to me when I talked to her. My heart ached for her and today I found out why she was so sad. One of her really good friends called me and told me that ever since her husband came back from Iraq, he has been beating her. And today another one occurred in front of the friend so they grabbed up my grandson and left with just the clothes on her back and they went to a safe house for tonight and tomorrow morning she is flying home to be with me. I only wish that she had confided in me sooner about what was going on but now that she is coming home, I am hoping that I will be able to help her to heal. So now my favor---would everyone please say a ton of prayers for Ashley & her son Daniel that they find peace within themselves as they embark on this journey and pray for a comforting healing to come over them as they try to recover from this devastation. Thanks so much Tracy

Hi Tracy, Don't feel bad for her not telling you. I was in this situation, and until you are ready to really go, you hide it. Probably the only reason she left today was because of her friend seeing it. It's hard to believe it will happen again, and you just hope and pray that he sees he's done wrong and changes. But it doesn't happen and it takes a while to realize what a dangerous situation you're really in. some women even are so psychologically abused that they believe it's their own fault. Get her into counceling as soon as she gets here. Let her know that he had no right to abuse her no matter if she done anything or not. Nobody deserves to go through this. My heart goes out to her and her son, they are definately in my prayers. Hugs Linda

Tracy, I can't even imagine what your daughter is going through. And to think what has happened to her husband to make him act this way toward her. I have two little girls and I have no idea how I would even feel to know that someone was physicaly and emotionaly hurting either one of them like that. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please keep us posted. Take care, Carey

Hi Tracy.....Linda is right!!! Encourage her to seek counseling as soon as possible. If you don't know who to take her to, contact a battered women's shelter in your area and get a referral. I work with alot of battered women in my job at Dept of Human Services. There are many things that need to be dealt with other than the obvious. You are all in my prayers....please get her some help so she doesn't go back to that abusive situation. He needs counseling also! This seems to be quite common with those coming back from Iraq. The military should be dealing with these issues! Take care! Hugs Jan

Tracy, As an ex wife of a Desert Storm vet, I can totally sympathize with you and your daughter. She's a brave woman to leave. It's great that you will be here to support her. Remember that often women look at this problem as their "fault", even if it clearly isn't. Also, in the military community, this is really common, so people don't see it for the huge problem it is. Let her know she's cared for, and a great mom for getting Daniel away from that situation. God Bless all of you, Brenda

Hi Tracey, I understand. She may not use it right now, but some day she will. So please give this info. to your daughter. God bless you, Annette http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_help_treatment_prevention.htm#coun seling If you want to talk with someone for support or about how to get help, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. You can email the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help: [email protected]. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a telephone for helping the hearing-impaired: 1-800-787-3224 (TTY). If you are deaf, email the National Domestic Violence Hotline for help at: [email protected]. Michigan Coalition against Domestic & Sexual Violence 3893 Okemos Road, #B-2 Okemos, MI 48864 (517) 347-7000 Fax: (517) 347-1377 TTY: (517) 381-8470 Website: www.mcadsv.org Email: [email protected]