Dear LPG readers,

When we think of domestic violence, most people’s minds will envision a young mother trying to protect her children as the marriage she went into with love, or out of duty, has turned into something less loving and more demanding. Still, domestic violence can look very different for many people.

The abuser can be the wife in the relationship, a child (dependent or not) or the circumstances that you find yourself in. There are many more scenarios to consider.   We are gradually becoming more accustomed to hearing stories of older people being exploited by their younger caregivers and family members.  We all know that there are many multi-faceted levels of abuse between those I have mentioned, and many different ways that that abuse presents itself.  

The fallout is pain, which can be physical, but there is the psychological and emotional damage that can be done, while some victims are not even aware that they are suffering at all.

My poem today seeks to shed light on the emotional effects of abuse from the point of view of someone who knows what this kind of suffering can bring with it, although I suspect that many versions of abuse are variations on this theme. 

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

I am feeling very sorrowful; my life is in great danger,
And my soul is in turmoil.
Needless to say, my whole life is falling apart!
I’m one of the many who have been ill-treated in this world,
I am talking about domestic abuse
But I must hold myself together for the sake of our Children.

My heart is broken, I am so sad and alone.
Domestic violence has now taken its toll.
I am isolated; in hiding from my spouse.
I’m hoping that he’ll keep away from me,
I am a grieving woman with a broken heart;
But I will keep my wits about me for the sake of our Children. 

I am a grieving woman with a broken heart.
I’ve been trodden upon and I am falling apart.
Married or single, young or old: it is true;
That whoever you are and whatever your status,
Grief and sorrow will not evade you.
But I’m determined to move on for the sake of our Children.

I am a grieving woman, my wounds are very deep.
Domestic abuse has caused me much grief!
My heart is shattered, it’s beyond repair.
All I want to do now is to move on,
Find new dwellings…. and live in peace;
But I shall do my best for the sake of our Children.

©2017 by Beverly Gooden Wilson

 LPG adds some information on the day’s subject of acknowledgement…

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