Categories: uncategorized
Date: 31 December 1969 23:59:59
Still feeling sore after the counselling session on Thursday I went forward or prayer after the church service and cried.
Afterwards I got talking to a woman I know vaguely and found out that she was also a victim of domestic abuse. In fact there are 4 of us in our small congregation that we know of - it's such a taboo subject, and people tend to think of it as simply being physical violence (which I can assure you it is not).
Sharing with her opened my eyes - someone who empathised with my feelings of pain; failure and shame. The feeling that you are worthless and stupid.
I felt that here were the makings of a self help and support group - turning my pain and anger around.
I wrote this many years ago:
You never hit me
Dealt me a physical blow
I would have liked visible bruises;
Broken bones to be worn as medals for my bravery.
You dealt the inner pain
Battered my emotions;
Punished my love;
Destroyed hopes and dreams with cruel words and covert action.
You were a master of hurt.
I was cheated from sympathy
By your skill and deception.
And the pain lives on.