The Face Of Abuse

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRUTH. THIS IS THE FACE OF ABUSE.

When you are a victim of domestic violence you remain silent. You endure your abuse under the false beliefs that it will end. That it’s not really that bad. Tomorrow will be better. The truth is that you become more and more fearful and even more vulnerable. You begin to believe all that your abuser says about you, and you become so frail and extremely weak minded that you actually become the person that he or she has so deliberately molded you into. You stay silent and you go on about your normal life as if nothing is happening. You get ready for your daily routine, put your makeup on and head out the door. Your fear is heavy and there is so much trauma and disgust behind your smile and kind words. It isn’t easy to hide, but you do so out of shame and embarrassment. Who do you tell?? Would they believe you?? Would they take it seriously?? You feel desperate, silent and stuck. 

This is a very raw and unprofessional drawing, but it is very important and telling. These are the things that an abused person feels and carries around with them on a daily basis.

My friends, please take a moment to look at this carefully. If you can relate to any of these written words, think twice about who you are with. No one should ever be made to feel or endure any of these things and each one of them is a form of abuse. Domestic violence is not always physical with bruises, blood and broken bones. It is so much more. Please listen to your instincts and those oh so important gut feelings. If it feels wrong, it is.

Find out more about Joni’s personal struggle with domestic violence in her new memoir.