In Power (and Purple) We Stand: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Haunted houses and deadly decorations indicate October is among us. While October harvests Halloween, it also highlights the all too real nightmare of domestic violence, honored by the color purple. The brutality of domestic violence impacts 1 in 4 women in their lifetime, a number on the rise during the pandemic.
"Why didn't she do more to fight back?" whispered some. "I don't want her here, she could bring drama." was the attitude of others. The isolation and judgement resulted from stigma both enables the abuser and makes it increasingly difficult for the one being abused to get out safely.
Violent relationships impact women in the 20 to 24 age group the most, with recent cases like headliners Gabby Petito and Maya Mercado ending in death at a tragically young age. My twisted fairy tale turned nightmare began in college, where I was wooed and won over by a seemingly sweet student in my Advertising class. Little did I know, lavish throws of romance and love would turn sinister, escalating to police and school involvement.
I share my story via poem below to dismantle stigma and provide a voice to the millions of women impacted today.
"If one has courage, nothing can dull the light that shines within."
- Maya Angelou
Big brown eyes
Dark secrets lie
They don't see the pain
The obstacles I overcame
They don't see where you choked me
Most see a polished pedigree
Or how you pulled me by my hair
God I wish I wasn't there
Or the time you threatened to burned my house
But begged to still be my spouse
First love gone dream to nightmare
Violence erupted sending me into despair
What glitters isn't always gold
Love doesn't put you in a choke hold
I hid in closets cowering in your presence
You evoked a most monstrous essence
I no longer fear you or any man
My strength no longer gentle as a lamb
I am much more than meets the eye
If I stayed with you I could have died
Another woman slain from the hands of a crazed coward
You used your masculinity as a deadly power
Not to protect your princess
But to send her into distress
Thrown into a wrench finishing school
But my mama didn't raise a fool
I overcame the pain and crossed that stage
Now you are merely a dark phase
Abuse ensued after my Miami trip for spring break
But I live here now, boss moves I'm proud I did take
I am not sure why God spared my life
When millions of women continue to suffer a similar strife
Now the past is a faded but present scar
A subtle reminder I have come very far
No valiant prince at the end of this story
Just an independent woman basking in her glory
Integrity, strength, and resiliency are what this situation has bestowed in me
Never again will I let someone dull my light
Try as they might, I will eternally fight
I am too beautiful and bright to diminish
Your reign of terror has officially finished