Recovering from Relationship Abuse and Domestic Violence: 25 Quotes for Mental Health
Relationship abuse and domestic violence are serious issues that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s mental health. In this article, we explore 25 powerful quotes from Vernon Chalmers that offer insight and inspiration for those who have experienced abuse in relationships.

“Winning a few games of chess became one of the most miserable events of my life… I was oblivious to the fact that a few friendly checkmates could result in exposing a slumbering narcissistic wound.” ― Vernon Chalmers
Power of the Pawn
“The Power of the Pawn – at the start of a game of chess it may just be able to move one or two vacant square(s) directly forward, but with patience and strategy it can topple the fast and nimble opposite Queen – and even trap her King. Checkmate! It was part and parcel the story of my narcissistic abuse until I was able to remove the ‘Queen of Grandiosity’ from my existence. Relationships should never be about a game of ‘Kings and Queens’ or ‘Winning or Losing’, but a Reality of Mutual Respect, Trust and Gratitude…” — Vernon Chalmers

Abuse and Disrespect
“For any man who is being emotionally, physically, verbally, and/or sexually abused by a woman (in any intimate relationship) it is not a shame, but rather the disrespect and violation of the man’s body, character, integrity, and values. Never retaliate with force, but rather end the relationship as soon as possible. Physical assault (even) by a significant other is a criminal offense – treat it as such! I wish I did at the time.” — Vernon Chalmers
Lack of Gratitude
“I was exposed to a serious lack of gratitude, witnessed through a vivacious self-entitled attitude, during a relatively short, but important personal relationship. At the time I did not fully comprehend why some people cannot say ‘thank you’, but since then learned the behavioral pathology of why displaying any form of gratitude is so excruciating for them. Daily gratitude is one of the most valuable characteristics we should apply to whoever contributes whatever meaningful to our lives – irrespective of the magnitude of the deed.” — Vernon Chalmers
Letting Go
“Letting go of this transactional and abusive relationship was not an achievement as such, but rather the acceptance of ending a dramatic trauma bond that had the toxic behavior dynamics to cause severe (and possibly long-term) negative consequences. I was unfortunately enmeshed in an unhealthy relationship with someone who was emotionally stunted in the ability to trust, love, and/or respect others as part of the reciprocal values required for an emotionally stable relationship.” — Vernon Chalmers
Impaired Decision-Making
“It does not mean someone with impaired decision-making should be excused – it means that the ‘normal’ individual in relation to them should be mindful that there are indeed real reasons why impaired decision-makers make their ‘as is’ decisions without rational conscience, responsibility and or perpetual lack of gratitude/remors…