Women are sharing their stories of abusive relationships with this powerful hashtag

Social media is a wonderful tool to help raise awareness and inspire action when it comes to making real change in the world.

Twitter especially is great to bring people together for a common cause, whether that's fighting racism, sexism, or in this case, raising awareness about the different kinds of abusive relationships people have experienced. #MaybeHeDoesntHitYou has been trending recently, and the stories being shared on Twitter by users show how abusive and dangerous relationships may not be just physical. It's something often overlooked, but the mental damage of an abusive relationship is just as devastating. Abusive relationships also include emotional manipulation and abuse, controlling your partner, and using blackmail to make your partner feel guilty for trying to escape the unhealthy relationship.

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#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but when you try to tell him how he makes you feel, it becomes what you did wrong & you walk away guilty & invalidated

— Claire Batchelder (@batch_elder) May 12, 2016

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he controls what u wear, who u talk to, distances u from friends, and tries to make himself the only thing u have. — Alexis Isabel (@lexi4prez) May 12, 2016

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he compares you to other women, criticizes your body and constantly tells you, you aren't doing enough for him.

— Iman A. (@aveiman) May 10, 2016

#maybehedoesnthityou but he says you should be grateful he doesn't — audrey honeydrone (@singing_ghosts) May 9, 2016

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but he threatens to kill himself when you muster up the strength to leave. So you stay and are manipulated even more.

— Nneka M. Okona (@afrosypaella) May 8, 2016

#MaybeHeDoesntHitYou but demands you follow his hair, makeup, dress code rules like your relationship is prison or the military. — Lovely Sun Glitter (@AquafarE) May 8, 2016

Regardless of your gender, there are organisations out there to help those in abusive relationships. If you, or someone you know, is affected by domestic violence, contact Women’s Aid on 1800 341 900 /womensaid.ie, Cosc www.cosc.ie or Safe Ireland on 090 6479078/[email protected]