Another Perspective
A memoir of life inside 2 domestic violence shelters
Although much is written on the subject of violence against women, on any given day one can search the Internet to find a myriad of stories regarding Domestic Violence from Academic Research from students and those working as professional advocates to thousands of blog, magazine, and news articles directed toward general readership audiences of all age ranges. However, there is very little written from the first-hand perspective of a formerly battered woman as told by the woman herself without speaking through professional advocates or journalists.
As I continued to research the subject, I found statistics listed on different Domestic Violence Coalition Websites and journalists interviewing battered women for their compelling survival stories.
While Journalism and Academic Reporting are valuable methods of uncovering the silent subject of Domestic Violence. It is equally crucial to offer another method of conveying heartbreaking stories of Domestic Violence Survival.
It is important to describe residing in a domestic violence shelter from a former shelter resident’s perspective to correct many false assumptions regarding shelter life in society and among professional advocates. Hopefully, this writing will offer insight on what is still today an extremely unspoken topic outside the context of professional advocacy.
It is still difficult to revisit that mindset twenty plus years later. In realizing much has changed toward the manner in which battered women are viewed by others, there continue to be small pockets of self-blame stigma existing around abusive relationships.
Perhaps this writing can educate as well as empower others to take necessary steps in order to free themselves of an abusive relationship, once they learn about daily shelter life. It may seem less intimidating as the mystery of what happens next after a woman enters a shelter is unfolded.
It is challenging to author writing such as this because in addition to arising old, painful memories, there also is a crucial responsibility to protect shelter staff and other former shelter residents identities. It is for these reasons, there cannot be in-depth descriptions of times, places & people.
It is difficult to know whether or not others I had grown close to during my two shelter stays have resolved their own domestic violence circumstances. They may still be in danger as a battery, despite current battery treatment programs, is almost never what one would consider rehabilitated or "cured" of being violent. Therefore, I will do all that I can to only reveal only my own situations, as I believe my circumstances are under control for now. I am, however, prepared should that change in the future.
About the Creator
Keep reading
More stories from writers in Viva and other communities.
Thank You Female Product Companies For Normalizing Human
I was born in 1990. In May, smack dab early mid-year. I am quite LITERALLY the definition of a '90's' kid. I don't remember a lot of commercials from when I was younger, but I do know that growing up women in media were photoshopped, sculpted, and molded to be Barbie perfect.
By Hope Martin9 days ago in Viva
The Enternal echoes of memory ..
In a small university town, nestled amidst towering oaks and cobblestone streets, there existed a quaint coffee shop called "Eternal Brews." It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of old books. Within its cozy confines, the coffee shop played host to an intriguing event – a viva session on the topic of memory.As the participants gathered around the worn wooden tables, anticipation hung in the air like a delicate mist. Dr. Sophia, the esteemed moderator of the session, welcomed everyone with a warm smile. Among the attendees was Professor Alan, a renowned neuroscientist, and Dr. Elena, a psychologist with a passion for the human mind.The conversation began with Professor Alan's opening remarks, delving into the intricate workings of memory. He spoke of neurons firing like stars in the night sky, weaving intricate patterns of recollection that shaped our understanding of the world. He posited that memory was more than mere recall; it was the essence of our existence, the thread that connected past, present, and future.Dr. Elena, with her insightful gaze, offered a different perspective. She delved into the realm of emotions, exploring how memory was intertwined with feelings of joy, sorrow, and nostalgia. She recounted tales of patients whose memories had been fractured by trauma, yet who still clung to the fragments of their past like precious heirlooms.As the discussion unfolded, the participants shared their own experiences with memory. Sarah, a literature enthusiast, spoke of how books had the power to preserve moments in time, allowing readers to revisit distant lands and bygone eras with each turn of the page. James, a musician, recounted how melodies from his childhood echoed in his mind like distant whispers, carrying him back to a time when life was simpler and dreams were boundless.But amidst the tales of nostalgia and longing, there lingered a question – did memory truly last forever? Dr. Sophia, ever the voice of reason, posed this query to the group, sparking a spirited debate.Professor Alan argued that while memories might fade with time, their essence endured, like faded photographs hidden in the recesses of the mind. He spoke of the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and rewire itself, forging new connections even as old ones faded into obscurity.Dr. Elena, however, offered a more somber perspective. She spoke of how memories could be distorted by time and perception, their once-vivid colors muted by the passage of years. She recounted studies that showed how eyewitness testimonies could be flawed, leading to wrongful convictions and shattered lives.As the debate raged on, a hush fell over the coffee shop, as if the very walls were listening intently to the words being spoken. And then, in the midst of the discourse, a voice spoke up – soft yet resolute.It was Emily, a young woman with a gentle smile and eyes that sparkled with wisdom beyond her years. She recounted a tale from her own life, of a beloved grandmother who had passed away many years ago. Despite the passage of time, Emily spoke of how her grandmother's presence still lingered, woven into the fabric of her memories like a timeless tapestry.In that moment, the truth became clear – memory was not bound by the constraints of time or space. It was a living, breathing entity, shaped by the experiences and emotions that defined us as individuals. And while the sands of time might erode its edges, the essence of memory would endure, forever etched in the annals of our souls.As the viva session drew to a close, the participants exchanged knowing glances, their hearts and minds forever changed by the journey they had undertaken. For in the quiet corners of "Eternal Brews," amidst the scent of coffee and the rustle of pages, they had discovered the eternal echoes of memory – a reminder that even in the darkest of nights, there was always a glimmer of light, waiting to guide us home.
By Eric anexis 4 days ago in Viva
Invitation to Renga With Me
Ladies and Gentlemen, I am returned. I am envisaging a grand entrance here, a footman perhaps, announcing my arrival, or a both doors flung wide attention grab. That I actually slipped in quietly with an itsy bitsy haiku seems far more in keeping with my actual style. Either way, I am back after an absence of a couple of weeks in which I dedicated myself fully to a family holiday. I could do no different, it has been a very full trip, and a wonderful trip for it. But though I read most of a novel, I took no time to read on Vocal, and no time to write either.
By Hannah Moore6 days ago in Writers
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.