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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












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