An Overcomer’s Poem
Spiritual faith can be the safe space for many women affected by domestic and sexual violence and abuse. An overcomer of 55 years of domestic abuse wrote this poem about the extra ties that can bind women of faith into abusive relationships, and personal, spiritual resistance.
An Overcomer’s Poem
Spiritual faith can be the safe space for many women affected by domestic and sexual violence and abuse. An overcomer of 55 years of domestic abuse wrote this poem about the extra ties that can bind women of faith into abusive relationships, and personal, spiritual resistance.
I loved you… I loved you… And you told me that you loved me… You won my heart little by little… Leading me to believe your fairy story!
I loved you… And you painted a picture within words… Of growing old together happily… Remembering the little things which made me happy… Encouraging me to believe… That you were happily in love with me!
I loved you… And you placed a ring upon my finger… Promising a love so true… You knew all about my previously horrific abuse experiences… At the hands of those meant to love me… Smilingly you reassured me… That you would always protect me… And that I could trust you!
I loved you… And so, I became your wife… For a time, you seemed happy to be with me… I cannot remember specifically… When love turned to strife!
I loved you… And continued to love you… Year after year, after horrific year… From the first blow to the last… I loved you… Though my heart, spirit, soul and life… Were filled with fear!
I loved you… And sometimes… It seemed as though you still loved me… As a Christian… I was called to ‘forgive 70×7’ … And to forget’… Quickly you began to use this Scripture… Over me… As part of your tyranny!
I loved you… But now you are no longer within my daily life… You affect it… Indirectly… Through your continued emotional manipulation… Of our children sometimes … But I am no longer your wife!
This service has saved my mental health and has provided a safe service whilst helping with coping mechanisms for the future.
- Lena
Latest news
Voices have contributed to the new BANES Domestic Abuse leaflet.
This leaflet has been compiled for those exsperiencing domestic abuse and seeking support in the BANES area. There is a comprehensive list of contacts for local and national organisations offering a range of support.
Local Family Justice Board at University of the West of England Law School took place on Friday 19 May
A groundbreaking conference by the Local Family Justice Board at University of the West of England Law School took place on Friday 19 May, looking at how to improve responses to domestic abuse and support for adult and child survivors in family court processes. Our director Ursula spoke about family courts, coercive control and lived…
Cycle challenge in aid of domestic abuse charity
by Tamsin and Hannah (May / Hughes) About We have set ourselves the challenge of cycling over 680 miles across France and to fundraise for domestic abuse charity Voices. We’re new to bike touring and have been training for this challenge since September 2022. You can donate here: https://localgiving.org/fundraising/lostinfrance/ We hope our fundraiser will help…