I have recently joined Voices (the speaking bureau for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence). My application reviewing process was not even complete when I received a call to do a talk about my personal story and the effects of domestic violence. I am so excited to finally share my story. I want to break the silence! I want to help others who are suffering in silence.
As I prepare for the talk, I am reviewing statistics and getting a power point together. The stats are almost too much to stomach. So many people are suffering each day. Beatings, chokings, and murder. I think to myself, how can this still be happening in 2016. Are we no more humane than a thousand years ago?
The Kick
(a mini-memoir)
I lay in bed with my husband of not even a year. We are watching the TV that is just across the room. I try not to think too hard about the long day, or why the food wasn't exactly to his tasting.
"Change the channel," he says.
"Okay, I will." I say, as I always do. I roll over to my right side to get out of the bed.
"Now!" he demands.
Suddenly I feel a sharp pain in the lower of my back as he kicks me with full force with his right leg. "I said now!"