The emotional impact of abuse is undeniable. Abuse comes in all forms – emotional, mental and physical and not one kind is worse than the other. All forms strip the victim of all of their dignity.
When I got my masters degree in psychotherapy, I specialized in domestic abuse. Time and time again I’d have a client tell me they wish their partner would just hit them because at least the bruises would heal.
The emotional scars abuse leaves on a victim is paralyzing. Bit by bit, blow by blow, the victim’s sense of self, their confidence and self-esteem withers away slowly but surely. In my mind, this poem speaks to the pain all victims experience. I found it as I was going through some old stuff of mine.
I post is to remind everyone of the pain and anguish that is caused by abuse. Something noone should ever have to endure.
The Emotional Impact of Abuse
The Black Velvet Glove
The hardest to bear isn’t the slap or the shove,
It’s the sting of the words, like a black velvet glove.
It tears at your soul and your heart cracks in two.
What you’ve become is not really you.
You know that you’re good, and you know that you’re kind.
But you feel like you’re going out of your mind.
The look of disgust, the names and the sneers,
Has this really been going on all of these years?!
It started so small, just a fight – some name calling.
You couldn’t see the black hole into which you were falling.
He took all your dignity, who you were, and your pride.
In your shame and your pain, all you could do was hide.
Hide the fact that the man who promised you love,
Took it back and replaced it with the black velvet glove.
~ Anonymous
If you are being abused, seek professional help and support. Know there is a way out and you do deserve better!
Hugs … because everybody could use one!
