It is no secret that domestic violence has been on the rise during these Covid times. Daily newspaper reports can confirm this. Many persons have lost their jobs, and even homes, because of the severe economic downturn the pandemic has incurred.
Businesses are closing down everywhere, and workers are left on the breadline.
Both sexes suffer from domestic violence by their partners or others.
The lack of finances has prevented many from seeking professional advice, and the abuse continues. In many cases, lives have been permanently destroyed.
Some perpetrators are imprisoned awaiting trials in a slow justice system, while many have escaped justice as their victims chose to remain silent because of fear.
Persons who have been abused by parents in childhood inherit traits from their abusers and the cycle continues. How can we stop this cycle?
Abuse in any form should not be tolerated. Persons who abuse others are mentally ill and need psychiatric help.
Abuse is not love, and victims should leave the relationship when a partner becomes abusive.
Domestic violence is often referred to as violent behaviour between current or former intimate partners
. Typically, one partner tries to exert power and control over the other, usually through fear.
It can include physical, sexual, emotional, social, verbal, spiritual, cultural, psychological, and financial abuse.
Domestic violence can be committed by someone in the victim's domestic circle.
This includes immediate family members, other relatives, and family friends.
An abuser could be anyone.
It can be someone you know or someone you work with. It could be staff who care for you, like the nurse or care assistant in your home.
It could be your family or friends, or even someone you met online in a group.
Abusive behavior may not always cause physical pain or leave a bruise, but it's still unhealthy and should always be taken seriously.
In certain countries because of cultural norms, women are badly abused and tortured for dowry, widowhood, or just because they are women they are treated as slaves.
When I read the newspaper on the morning of February 12th, 2020, and saw the murder/suicide of a wife and husband I was appalled.
I penned a poem about the incident immediately. The newspapers reported that the couple was in love and got married.
I wondered how could love made in heaven turn sour and turn to hatred and murder.
I was inspired to do an Anthology of Poems Against Domestic Violence.
Together with 87 poets of the How to Write for Success Literary Network, we published BREAK THE SILENCE, and it attained the rank of Bestseller No 1.
More than a year has passed and with the rising cases of abuse seen daily, we decided to publish a second volume.
We believe that persons in abusive situations must speak out against this menace in our society, and as writers, we will support them.
I will end by thanking the ninety-one poets who contributed to this anthology and make my poetic contribution to this cause.
FAKE LOVE
Fake Love is the cause of domestic violence.
It’s even more dangerous than the coronavirus.
I listened intently to what the preacher said,
As he stood on the pulpit shaking his head.
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Relationships must be a two-way street,
Without jealousy, ill-manners, and conceit.
Replace pride and irritability with kindness and caring.
Be ever ready to give each other a hearing
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Vows are taken for better and for worse.
There’ll be many disagreements and outbursts.
Forgive quickly, don’t let love turn cold.
It matters not who was wrong, be bold.
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Love should be genuine and priceless.
It should never turn brutal and heartless.
Must never be fake like a fake diamond.
The preacher completed his sermon.
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