Reposted in remembering October is National Domestic Abuse Prevention Month

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hoot_owl_rn
Member Patricius

since 1999-07-05

Posts 10750
Glen Hope, PA USA

0 posted 2004-10-06 09:33 PM

              Domestic Violence

     It’s a cold January night; winter has set deep within my heart. Two impressively dressed police officers enter through the back door; the one reserved for friends. They pull me aside to question me and in their thoroughness, with flashlights, check my body for injuries. I can’t help but wonder at what point did my body go from being my own to a piece of evidence? The bruises, still red, overlap others much darker and not so recent. Each is measured and recorded. I watch as their pens flash information onto blank sheets of paper, filling one and then another with facts I don’t really wish to disclose. Even in this condition, my mind does not fail to recognize the similarity between that and my writing.
     One of the officers inquires if I want or need to see a doctor. I smile, wincing from the pain, and reply, “No, I’m fine.” While inside, I am dying.
    The younger of the two, Roy, asks “Will you press charges this time?”
     I think to myself, “I used to baby sit him. I grew up with his parents. Why does he have to see me like this?” Self-consciously I brush a strand of bloodstained hair away from my battered face.
    “ ‘Mamm?” His partner, a middle-aged man with a kind face, looks at me questioningly. “Will you be filing charges?”
     “No, everything is fine,” I respond. “I’m sorry the neighbors had to bother you at all.
     They both look at me and shake their heads as if they expected me to say nothing different. It hurts my pride to see the sympathy in their eyes. I didn’t ask for that, nor did I ask for this!
     “ ‘Mamm, if there’s nothing else we can do for you, I guess we’ll be going now.”
     I smile, courteously thank them for all their help and walk them to the door.
     “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” they question me once more.
     I simply nod my head up and down and watch as they turn to go. “PLEASE DON’T LEAVE ME,” my mind shouts...but the words fail to escape my swollen lips as they drive away.
____________________________________________________
This story is loosely based on real life events...mine. Anyone who finds themselves in an abusive relationship, find yourself someone you can trust to talk to, develop an escape plan, and most of all...get out before it's too late. There is hope and light beyond those walls you tend to build up around yourself and happiness can and does exist...just ask me

Midnitesun

Member Empyrean

since 2001-05-18

Posts 28647
Gaia

1 posted 2004-10-06 09:49 PM

You found the strength to say no more, to stop being a punching bag. Hopefully, others will stop this from happening to them and to totally defenseless. Embrace the power to say NO! and put an end to domestic violence.

Larry C

Member Patricius

since 2001-09-10

Posts 10286
United States

2 posted 2004-10-07 12:32 PM

Ruth,
I love your social awareness and desparately want to support and applaud your efforts. I did CPS and have worked domestic abuse cases. Soooo...I lack the courage to read. I know stories that are locked in my heart and will never be repeated. Too sensitive I suppose. But bless you dear lady.

Mysteria

Member Laureate

since 2001-03-07

Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada

3 posted 2004-10-07 03:53 PM

Ruthie, I have been there and done that but after the first time I learned there was help instantly - if you want it! People look at women who stay in these relationships and wonder why. The "why" is that their spirit is broken down to the point they believe they are who their partner says they are, nothing! The fact they have no money to escape (as was my case once) doesn't help. Some, it is hard to leave a life of luxury for the unknown, but if they only realized what it was costing them. I soon learned after I left that first time, all the tricks to get a plan into place if I ever had to leave again, and sure enough I did! I guess from experience my advise would be like yours, seek help and even if you are not ready, get ready with a plan! That plan could save your life and the lives of your children.

Sad part about domestic violence is that sometimes it can not be seen by physical evidence, but only felt inside in places only the lonely live.

A very timely re-posting m'friend. Brings back some pretty familiar times for me too.

miscellanea
Member Elite

since 2004-06-24

Posts 4060
OH

4 posted 2004-10-07 09:37 PM

Thank you for writing this. It has touched me and made me more aware of what some of the torture people go through. It is kind of you to offer strength and advice to others.
miscellanea

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