Having seen an article recently on Domestic Violence, or Domestic Abuse as it is now called to emphasise the various kinds violence/abuse in the home setting, I felt compelled to offer this article and poem as an extra to my now regular column.
As a visiting senior psychiatric practitioner to the Kent cluster of prisons where I used to “ply my trade” I met and worked with both victims and perpetrator’s of Domestic Abuse, and following completion of my Forensic Psychiatry degree in 2001, used to teach on it as a “Visiting Lecturer” too. I also worked closely with Kent Police Domestic Abuse team as well as a few domestic violence forums, so sadly had quite a close look at this seemingly growing crime (complete with gory details), Yes crime it is, and from the early 2000’s the police have the power of arrest even if the victim (spouse, partner etc) didn’t/wouldn’t press charges!
Believing that nobody should be subject to violence (sorely tested view recently,) or have offered no violence, I support all media coverage of this “at home” crime, worrying less reported in certain beliefs and cultures in Britain now, which should help to resolve the problems of bullies and stalkers perhaps.
As this is not a full in depth dissertation I will conclude after touching on another aspect of Domestic Abuse, and that not surprisingly is an underreported side visited upon men. Yes, men! Remember the infamous “Bobbit” (Oooowww) incident, plus of course we all have to drop our guard and sleep too…… Sleep well! Adds a broader spectrum to silent night a ?
Still I am sure as we all value others they will, (might) value us too, so worry not as I merely wished to flag up the problem as a “Philosophising” poet who cares, sees and writes about our world! Peace to all, but please read my following poem entitled “Groom and Doom”……….
Groom and Doom
Her pretty eyes were dulled
Behind her battered face,
His fists had won the argument
But marked out his disgrace.
He said that she deserved it
It was her fault all along,
But it was only peace she craved
Whether she was right or wrong.
He started as a proper gent
Very keen to get along,
Until she had opinions
And then he changed his song.
Bullies like to be in charge
And pick on someone small,
Or a woman who seems loving
And not challenge him at all.
So he really did not like it
When his victim tried to choose,
And if she tried to protest
She wore another bruise.
These abusers are insecure
In fear of other men,
So he stops his ladies leisure
Always checking on her when
She tries to see other people
Who would like to help her out,
But she is really trapped now
And still gets knocked about!
So how is she to escape?
The police aren’t always there
And any banning order
Just increases the nightmare
Of abuse and vile words
That turn her blood to ice,
And makes her want to run away
But he controls her like a vice.
Friends and family are cut off
They pose too much a threat,
So her world has really shrunk now
Much too late for her regret.
The only hope now is the media
To expose this domestic dread,
But it needs to happen quickly
Before she is also dead!
The Psychy Poet Laurie Wilkinson supports and donates to the excellent charity Help for Heroes from all book sales, and these can be purchased on Amazon or direct from Laurie at e mail = lw1800@hotmail.co.uk…..
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