To all victims of domestic violence

I wrote a news story this week about the emotional scars of children who witness domestic violence, I also went through an old folder of mine and came across a poem I wrote when I was probably around 13 years old. I'd like to point out it was my step dad who was the perpetrator I refer to as 'daddy' not my real father. It is sad and a little naïve, but thought I'd share it as it was written in the moment with the heart of a kid - please if you are a parent that this speaks to - get help, numbers are below x

Childish whispers

Nightmares shatter childish dreams,

Through the darkness adults scream,

A child whispers 'please no more',

With each bang against the door,

The whispers ring inside my mind,

A child whispers 'I'm scared tonight',

At night I lie with my ear to the floor,

Waiting for the sound of the cutlery drawer,

And the sound of her scream, the sound of a knife,

Waiting for the day that he will end her life.

A child whispers in the darkness,

A child whispers in childish words,

A child whispers in the darkness,

A child whispers for the right to be heard,

Daddy unclench your fists and take the bruises from her face,

Mummy sparkle again, put the home back in this place,

Daddy stop the violence and take the tears from her eyes,

Please listen to my whispers and please just let me cry,

The whispers fade and darkness turns to light,

The fear and the games we play fade into the night,

Childish whispers play inside my mind

Too scared to admit that they are mine!

Please mummy leave him...

A note from all kids to their parents who suffer domestic violence - I think this video posted by permanentmarkergirl on youtube says it all:

Please get help:

www.womensaid.org.uk

refuge.org.uk

National domestic violence helpline: 0808 2000 247