To raise awareness.

Imagine discovering a situation of abuse in your neighbourhood. Would you immediately report it or simply ignore it, thinking it is not your concern? For the majority, it would be the latter. Now, envision this: if the house next door was on fire, would you seek help? Of course, someone would.

If we are quick to rescue someone from a fire or an accident, why do we hesitate when it comes to helping someone suffering at the hands of another individual?

Our society is plagued by a disturbing prevalence of physical and mental abuse, yet we conveniently turn a blind eye to it. The reason for this collective ignorance lies in the shame and taboo that surround domestic violence, perpetuated by the culture of victim-blaming.

‘Why couldn’t they leave?’

‘Why didn’t they tell someone?’

‘Why were they in it for so long?’

The answer? Fear.

Abuse victims feel a profound sense of entrapment and are forced into silence. The pain, anguish, and degradation leave their souls battered and their bodies scarred. In the midst of overwhelming hopelessness, the desire to surrender becomes the only coherent thought. Fear, in all its potency, takes hold.

The fear of being shamed, blamed, and criticised. The fear of getting killed. The fear of being looked down upon, as though there was something wrong with them that justify the abuse.

NO.

There is nothing anyone can ever do to deserve abuse of any kind. Nothing.

I have been there. And like countless others, I will never be strong enough to talk about my ghosts. But I have the gift of the written word, and I hope to send out a subtle message through my tales. Because my fiction is usually a depiction of reality.

If abuse is happening to you or someone you know, please seek help. In the absence of other options, send me a message, if you will, and I shall do my best to help. One small step can change so many lives, for the better.