Abuse a Fact, Help Another

Abuse a Fact, Help Another



Facts, facts, facts, Charles Dicken's Micawber said,

repeat, said. Facts about domestic abuse are easy

to find and hard to take. Boil down to many,

many, many victims, and keep counting. To too

little understanding and far too much fear.

Bruised, pummeled, punched, kicked, dragged,

slapped, raped, and cursed by those who promised

to love and protect. Again, repeat, again, repeat,

repeat again: That, Micawber, is a fact.



A fact often ignored or misunderstood: abuse

is not the victim's fault. If you are a victim,

look in the mirror and repeat again, repeat again,

again repeat: This is not my fault. I am not .

the one who is threatening. I am not the one

scarring. I am not the one finding fault.

I am not the one pounding. I am not the one

in the wrong. And I am not, repeat, not, alone..



Something like a quarter of female victims

of crime are the targets of criminals

that call themselves husbands, lovers,

fathers, friends, companions, partners.

Half or more have children under twelve.

These are facts. And this: Help IS

within reach. Resources are just waiting

to be tapped. If you can't get to a phone,

the Internet or a shelter, ask a friend

or neighbor, a minister, a cop – check

directories or have someone check

for you – to help you and any children

involved. More than you imagine

are,. or have been, where you are --

or are now. This is fact, too.

But the number one fact to remember

is that you have it in you to act

on your own. Take back your life.

Love and respect who you are.

Climb around fear on your way out.

Hey, you're a class act. 's' a fact!



©) Phyllis Jean Green
for Angels That Care