When you’ve been deeply hurt by the people who were meant to love and protect you, it can be nearly impossible to trust again. That’s why being trauma-trained takes such high priority at NAOMI. Our community support specialists are committed to the process. No matter how long, no matter how bumpy, they’re here for it.

When a woman is in unbearable pain, the first thing she needs is for someone to see her — not fix her, not solve all her problems — just be with her and listen. This is the second segment in a four-part series of stories and quotes from the NAOMI community, compiled by Community Director Sara Cardwell.

I want someone to tell me what to do to make the pain go away. There are those who tell me what I should do to clean up my mess, but no one can bear to be with me when I try to acknowledge the pain. 

Sometimes I wish everyone would leave me alone, but I also can’t stand being by myself. That’s why even when they hurt me, I put up with it and drown myself in helping everyone around me.

Who can deal with the uncomfortableness of my pain?