“The true character of a man is not defined by what he does in front of a crowd, but instead by what he does when no one else is around.”

-Unknown.

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?It’s Still Domestic Violence . ?It’s Still Not Ok!! . . Domestic abuse isn’t just physically! . I was a victim of emotional abuse! . It’s still domestic violence! . I’m saying it louder for the ones who refuse to see it for what it is. #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth #domesticabuse #toxicpeopleawareness #selfswareness #healingfrombreakups #emotionalabuseisstillabuse #selfcare #selfconfidenceiseverything #blacksinglemoms

A post shared by Jelisa Payton (@empowering_womenworthwealth) on Oct 5, 2019 at 1:11pm PDT

The shocking truth is 1 in 4 women will experience some form of domestic abuse or domestic violence in their life time, with most domestic occurrences happening to women between the ages of 18-34.

Although there are an estimated 12 million cases of domestic abuse a year, less than half are actually reported to authorities.

It’s extremely important that women (or men) who may be subject to this kind of abuse alert someone about their situation, even if it’s a family member, friend, police or agency, someone should know.

You should never feel alone, trapped or helpless when facing domestic abuse, most partners who are abusive tend to escalate, or continue abuse because they feel that their victim is estranged from friends and family

If you or someone you know may be suffering from abuse make a police report, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

A Man Who is Not A Man; A Short Verse

I know a man who is not a man, but a liar who never keeps his word.

Whose mouth proclaims his love, and threatens my life like a two edged sword.

I know a man who is not a man, who’d rather make excuses than to try.

I know a man who is not a man who believes all his twisted lies.

I know a man who is not a man who’d take my last without batting an eye,

He believes raising hands to me can be justified.

I know a man who is not a man who has no self control, no morals or, no goals.

Someone who believes he’s entitled because he exists,

he believes he can solve his problems by how well he can use his fists.

The problem with this man is that he is not a man at all.

 So I know a man who is not a man, he’s actually is just a boy.

I wrote this verse a little over a month ago, BEFORE deciding that maybe posting a verse revealing the true nature of my children’s father would be a little bit harsh. You are reading this because he changed my mind.

In the past week alone he has shown up outside my door and at our neighborhood park shouting and threatening to shoot me and kill me in front of our children for not answering the phone when he called.

I do not understand how a man can behave this way toward a woman that has mothered his children. This instance is just one of several other traumatizing incidents I have endured with this man, varying in degrees of, stress, trauma, and severity.

As someone who has experienced domestic violence and abuse, it’s very easy to allow feelings of dread, depression, hopelessness and fear to sink in, but I encourage you to use your voice and tell someone, remove yourself from the situation if you can. Seek help from family, and professionally if you need to.

You are important. You deserve to feel safe, no one on this Earth deserves to harm you in anyway. Reach out there are many people who would be willing to help.

Are you a survivor or know someone who is a survivor of domestic abuse. What are your thoughts on the issue? What did you do, what actions are you taking to protect yourself?

Disclaimer: the photo above is not meant to portray an individual/s accused of or associated with Domestic abuse or violence.

Don’t forget to Follow me on Instagram @real.queens.killing.it for encouragement and inspiration