Domestic Violence

The empty pages sit beside me
waiting for something more than 
avoidance and disdain, yet you sit
scornful and angry, throwing insult and accusation, O God of Mercy, I need you more than ever.

The first time you beat me,
I said, it's ok,
The second time you beat me,
I said, it's pain,
The last time you beat me,
I said never again.

You bastard.

Footnote 

Domestic violence is antiquated and not acceptable. The statistics show that both men and women commit domestic violence and it results in many injuries and deaths, as well as depression and low self esteem.

Help numbers 

USA 
We remind all those in need of assistance, or other concerned friends and individuals, to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE.‬

Australia 

National domestic violence hotline
24 hours: 1800 200 526

Police or ambulance
Call 000 at any time if you are worried about you or your children’s safety.

LifeLine
Telephone counselling (general) 131 114 www.lifeline.org.au

England 

Freephone 24 hr National domestic violence helpline
Run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge
PHONE: 0808 2000 247
Email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk
Please note we can not respond to emails by telephone as safety may be compromised. If you wish to speak to somebody please call the number above.