Barbara recounts that after suffering abuse for years, her mother dismissed her experiences, saying, 'Oh yes, I knew it was going on, but it didn't matter because it was you.' This dismissal illustrates the societal tendency to ignore domestic abuse, particularly within families, perpetuating harm and silencing victims. Her estrangement from her mother emphasizes the deep emotional scars left by such betrayal, as Barbara seeks to raise awareness through her involvement with the 'Brick by Brick' campaign.
Through her lived experience of prolonged abuse, Barbara highlights how her ex-partner's control was symbolic of the cycle of domestic violence—where victims often feel trapped, as she describes harsh situations including being thrown down stairs and controlled to the point of starvation. This showcases the urgent need for responsive support systems for survivors, as she states that 'the police were no help at all,' further indicating the failure of societal structures in addressing domestic abuse.
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