So many times it has been stated, sticks and stones can break your bones but words can never hurt you.

How wrong can that be? A lot of women know how it feels to be on the recieving end of hurtful demorolising words, and even though we cringe at a raised fist or feel it's force, nothing can compare to years of verbal abuse.

The feeling of self worth over the years wanes to an all time low.

The only light that shines is the faint beam at the end of the tunnel, for most women too much to contemplate.

Helen found that courage with the help of a friend, she reached out amongst the small village that had been home for twenty-six years.

Sometimes unsure if she could carry on, with the endless love of her boys, she found the courage to prevail.

The spiteful words of her mother-in-law cut deep to the bone and freedom would come at a heavy price.

For Helen the light at the end of the tunnel glowed more powerful every day.

When she believed the worst to be over and love was on the horizon, fate dealt another blow.

Helen knew this was one more hurdle to climb and with all the love she possessed she would be free to love again.