I Know a Brave Woman
Posted by 
December 13, 2011 •
I know a woman who lived down the street.
She had cuts and bruises whenever we’d meet.
I wanted to say something, but it was never quite right.
She assured me it was normal, the way they would fight.
I insisted it wasn’t. You must leave, I did implore.
Yet he continued to beat her and call her a whore.
Then one day her and the kids never arrived at the park
because she packed them up and left in the dark.
I never did know where she went to,
but I’m proud to know a Brave Woman. Are you?
by Darcy Zalewski
It’s been a long time since I’ve written any poetry and I debated sharing this. I don’t want the rhyming scheme taking away from the importance of its message, but it just wouldn’t write itself any other way. Domestic violence is a real problem that too many people are afraid to speak out about. People from the outside look in and often look down on a woman for not getting out. And even if she does, they only see her as a victim. Unfortunately, many women who have survived domestic violence continue to view themselves as victims too, which can make it hard for them to shake their fears and live their lives. So even if they are “free” they aren’t really.. their abusers still hold the power.
When I was a case manager I worked with a lot of women struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. It was saddening and maddening how many of them had been traumatized by others. They turned to drugs and alcohol to help them mask the pain.. to cope… they didn’t know how to be brave yet.
What Is Brave Woman?
Brave Woman is a grassroots movement to shift personal and public perception of women facing domestic violence situations from a victim mentality to one of courage and strength. The ultimate goal is action to create a world community that
- Supports difficult decisions involved in creating a new life of safety, healing and independence.
- Is aware of the presence of domestic violence and its impact on families.
OUR SHARED VISION is that every woman and child will have the supportive resources they need to live without fear in their homes and see themselves as courageous victors, finally free from family violence.
— from BraveWoman.org
I’ve met a lot of Brave Women, some just hadn’t realized they were yet. With resources and support, such as at BraveWoman.org, more woman can be Brave. Take the pledge today – I did. I want to be Brave and help other be Brave too.
Find out more at BraveWoman.org, Brave Woman on Facebook, and on Twitter @Brave_Woman. You can also find others by searching for #BraveWoman on Twitter. Join the Twitter party on December 19th at 1:00-2:00 PM EST.
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Disclosure: This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. Regardless, I believe this is a worthy cause and want to share this with you. #CBias
Tags: brave woman, collective bias, domestic violence, family, support
Thanks so much for this Darcy. So many people suffer slightly and think they are alone. What a fantastic organization this sounds like.dentistmel
Good poem – the message is very strong. I’m off to go checkout signing up to the pledge.OMGhada
Your poem is so touching, honest and pure Nice job, love.mryjhnsn
Darcy, your poem is so moving, thank you for deciding to share it with us.
Off to visit the BraveWoman.org website:)0rganicmama
my older sister’s been in a few abusive relationships…it’s a cycle that hopefully she’s breaking…so painful to watchnotaperfectmama
Thank you for sharing this. It is so important that we do not remain silent and reach out to those in need.
Prayers for the woman and her children, I hope they are safe and living exceedingly happy lives now, free of fear and abuse.ruralmoms
It is definitely easy to look from the outside and question why an abused woman puts up with it, but I’m sure it’s much harder to be in her shoes and summon the courage to get out. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic post! You mentioned several things that I have thought about in connection with Domestic violence as well–the fact that many of us “want to say something, but it’s never quite right” Oh, so important to reach out! And in your poem you use the word “whore” which sounds so awful and strong–but I know from knowing a brave woman, that word was used so often–and was so WRONG. Also, many do turn to addictions to get through the day. Grrr. Horrid cycle. I love your poem. I wonder where your brave woman went. Praying today for these women.quinnschilling
“I’ve met a lot of Brave Women, some just hadn’t realized they were yet.” – I agree – thanks for devoting time to such an important topic!chascouponmom
There have been a lot of women in my life who have been victims of domestic violence and it is horrific. I started studying domestic violence treatment when I was in grad school and thought that was the path I was going to take. I have a passion for child safety, but there is this strange disconnect between child safety professionals and domestic violence professionals due to their protection of their own separate clients. If my life hadn’t tailspun, I had plans of working on bringing those two sides together. God Bless You for supporting this cause!!
janet recently posted..Two AWESOME Book Launches and #99CentBookEvent is BACK!!jkrugel
I love your poem I think it’s great!divalocks10
I loved your poem. When I found myself in a horrible relationship, I remember the people who would tell me to get out. I didn’t understand why they would say that to me until one day a light bulb turned on. I got out and I’m SO thrilled to read about and share posts helping to strengthen women to leave and do better for themselves.
I really like your poem, I thought it was perfect. I wish that I didn’t know anyone who had gone through this, but I do and it breaks my heart.therebelchick
What a great way to get the point of domestic violence across!
Your so right about Brave Women not knowing they are Brave yet!
It so hard to understand if/when you’ve never been or known someone in the situation but with stories, knowledge and resources more and more BraveWomen will be able to acknowledge just how brave they are!
This actually brought tears to my eyes. The poem said it perfectly. I’ll be going to the Brave web site. Thank you for sharing. Happy Holidays.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Darcy, your poem is beautiful and ties in beautifully with this important post.philzendia
Thank you!Syrana
I knew a Brave Women also and like the poem one day she just took her children and left. I have thought about her often through the years and have wished her well. Thank you for sharing!
It is difficult for someone who has never been abused (psychologically, physically or emotionally)to understand why a woman would stay, especially if she has children. I think educating ALL women about the effects of abuse is important. That way all women can help as the need arisies.
Exactly! :)Syrana
Wow! This came at the right time. I have been struggling with trying to help someone I have yet to meet and I am not sure how to do it. Perhaps, a site like this is just the answer. I will have to investigate and see what I can do.
Thank you!