Domestic Abuse Poems: Speaking Out Because Silence Allows Violence

Introduction: How Domestic Violence Poems can Help Victims

Domestic Abuse Poems
Domestic violence awareness events are important.

When most people think of poetry, they think of love poems. However, there is another type of poetry that is much less talked about but just as powerful. This other type of poetry is poems written about domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can be defined as emotional, physical, or sexual abuse that occurs between two people who are in a close relationship, such as married couples or dating partners. Unfortunately, domestic abuse is a very common problem.

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Domestic abuse is a serious issue that often goes unnoticed. This is an issue that many people feel uncomfortable talking about, but it is important that we talk about it. Domestic abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. It can also include financial abuse and neglect.

Many people who are victims of domestic abuse feel ashamed because they don’t have a safe space to talk about their problems without being judged. They may feel like they are the only ones this is happening to. These poems represent my way of giving voice to those victims who are too scared to speak, those who feel they don’t have a voice, and the survivors of domestic violence.

This article is about poems written from stories told by domestic abuse victims, survivors, and their loved ones. Each poem is powerful in its own way, and they all offer a unique perspective on this difficult topic. Domestic abuse is, unfortunately, a common problem, but by reading these poems, we can gain a better understanding of what it is like to be a victim. These poems also remind us that we need to do more to support victims of domestic abuse and help them get the help they need.

Types of Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse Poems
Awareness of the impacts of domestic violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior that is used by one partner in an intimate relationship to control the other partner. It can involve physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse. Domestic violence can take many different forms, and it affects people of all genders, ages, religions, and incomes. While domestic violence is often thought of as physical abuse, it can also include emotional abuse, financial abuse, and sexual violence. A man is often the main perpetrator of domestic violence, but research shows that women are also abusers.

Brusied

i’m sitting here thinking
how did i let myself
become a camouflage
abuse specimen?

domestic violence awareness month
came and went, but
these black and blue
patterns are still
all over my damn body,
some in unspeakable places.

now i am ashamed
to be seen in public.
he has found another way
to keep me grounded
and away from
my friends and family.

what would daddy say
if he sees me like this?

what would he do
knowing how he loves me dearly?

Before We Were Married (He used to be so sweet)

he was my knight
in shining armour.
yes, he was!

my first love.
my cuddly bear.
my defender.
yes, he was!

then, in one
unsuspecting moment,
the good things
went bad and i tasted the wrath
of his anger and
the flavour
of my blood.

everything
changed from that moment
now our marriage
is not the same.

Behind Silent Fences

the world must never know!

you flood social media
with your happy pictures
and smiley faces
while
behind silent fences
you suffer severely.

the world must never see
your sad and depressing side.
you have learned to adapt,
paint perfect pictures
of your imperfect and
sordid world.

skillful makeup jobs
hide bumps and bruises,
and there is very little that
overpower your fake smiles.

the world must never know
the pains and sorrows
you endure behind your silent fences.

The Cycle of Abuse and Mental Health Issues

Domestic Abuse Cycle
The cycle of violence

The Cycle of Abuse is a pattern of behavior that often repeats in an abusive relationship. The abuser will initially exhibit loving and attentive behavior, which is known as the “honeymoon phase.” However, this will eventually give way to the abuser’s true colors, which are characterized by manipulative and controlling behavior. This phase is often followed by an apologetic period, in which the abuser tries to make up for their previous actions.

Exterior Glitters (signs of abuse)

you hear the happy laughter
but you don’t see
the depths of their pains.

you see the intoxicating beauty
but you don’t see
the gut-wrenching damages
that beneath it all.

you don’t see the bruises,
you don’t see
the blood that gushes
from battered veins.

you don’t see the bumps,
the black and blue patches.    
you don’t see what’s hidden
beneath the makeup.

you hear about the happy beginnings
but you don’t hear about
the sad tales that leave a trail
of psychological wounds
that refuse to heal.

you hear of the survivors’ stories 
but you are seldom told
about those you never
survive the battering
to tell their harrowing tales.

this abusive relationship thing
is bigger than you know,
it’s greater than they tell you,
it goes further back
than you expect,
it’s deeper than
you can fathom.

it’s sadder than the happy laughter,
it’s wider than the broad smile,
it’s deeper than my pensive thoughts.

my exterior appearance
is just a clown’s mask
that hides my wretched existence.

Make Up and Mask

you have become adroit at
concealing the true reality.
makeup unfleek
so that all can admire,
a smiling mask
so that all perceived
your deceptive happiness.

how much more of
this charade
must your loved ones endure?

how long are you going to cradle
the hurt in your bosom?
how much more of this
makeup and mask game
are you going to play?

Teardrops

when your teardrops
fall
do they make any sound?

when you cry
in the middle of
the night
does the darkness
cover your tears?

when you hurt in solitude
does that make you
feel stronger?

when the sadness
wells up inside
and
still, you smile
does it feel like a?
smiling a lie?

when you wipe away
your teardrops
does it get rid of the pains?

The Power Dynamics

Domestic Abuse Poems-abusive relationships
Silent screams

In any relationship, there is a power dynamic. This is especially true in abusive relationships, where one person uses their power to control and manipulate the other. Abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse. The abuser may use threats, intimidation, or coercion to get what they want. They may also isolate the victim from family and friends, making them feel like they have no one else to turn to.

Unappreciated

you can spend
years in situations
where you are
unappreciated.

venomous relationships
has the power
to alter your
perception of reality,
take away your common sense.

you can easily believe
that
you are worthless.

just because you are
unappreciated by someone
doesn’t mean
you are worthless,
it just means
you are not
appreciated by
that person.

To Hell and Back

no woman is safe
in the hands of an abusive man,
no woman!
i have stared
death in the face,
run down
the streets of hell
screaming.

i lay with the devil,
slept with the enemy.
dined with danger
and still, live to
tell the tales.

i have survived!

now i shine
brighter than the sun,
i’m fresher than the
morning dew.

i can live without you!

i made it because
i refused to allow you
to destroy my femininity,
watch me burgeon.

The Mental Battles (bad memories)

the mental battles
are still
ever-present.

you find yourself
fighting so often
with someone
you no longer have
any contact with.

the small voices,
recurring memories,
unpleasant feelings.

they just don’t
disappear
but never give up,
never give in,
this too you shall win.

The Impact of Domestic Abuse

Domestic Abuse impact
Hands of a partner

Domestic violence is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people each year. It can take many different forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Domestic violence often has a devastating impact on the victims, who can suffer from physical injuries, mental illness, psychological trauma, and social isolation. A domestic violence survivor is also at risk of developing chronic health problems, substance abuse issues, and suicidal thoughts.

When Good Goes Bad (the terrifying reality)

change happens,
sometimes it’s fast
sometimes it’s slow,
but there are
always signs.

don’t ignore them
don’t make excuses.
when the good
turns to bad
and remains bad.

leave.
run.
move.

whatever you don’t stay!
don’t wait to seek help,
don’t wait,
get out don’t wait!
just leave.

You Can Do It!

i know it doesn’t
seem so now,
but you can do it.

you can take the
first step.

you can get out.
you can get help.

you can
speak to someone.

you can survive
without him.

you can move on,
you can find
love again.

You Will Survive

the road to
recovery
may be long
but
you will make it.

after all,
you have survived
the abuse,
you were
strong enough
to leave.

you have
what it takes
to recover fully.

Conclusion: Domestic Violence Poetry Role

In conclusion, domestic abuse poems are a powerful way to express the feelings of someone who is experiencing or has experienced domestic abuse. They can provide hope and healing for the author and others who read them. If you are a victim of domestic abuse, consider writing your own poem as a way to express your feelings and find healing. If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who is, please seek help. There are many resources available, including hotlines, social workers, and shelters. If you know someone who is being abused, share these poems with them to offer support. You can also read more in these poetry collections.

Thanks for taking the time to read. If you have any thoughts to help someone in an abusive situation, please share them below. remember silence allows violence.

Bentinck is a bestselling author in Caribbean and Latin American Poetry, he is a multifaceted individual who excels as both an artist and educator.

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