Every fifteen seconds a woman is abused
According to statistics from the FBI
Some are bruised and battered emotionally and physically and live
Some are not so lucky and from their wounds eventually die

Every fifteen seconds, just think
While I wrote this line another woman was hurt
Abused physically, emotionally, and mentally
Somewhere, right now, another woman is questioning her worth

The victims of domestic violence
Include not only mothers but children too
And a large percentage of the abused boys grow up
And do exactly what they saw their fathers do

And you fathers, how could you betray her trust?
After she bore your children and became your wife
How could you beat the spirit out of her?
To boost your own esteem, how could you ruin her life?

How could you devalue her in the eyes of others
Demeaning her in public and calling her names?
How could you beat her, and then act like you’re sorry
And then convince her that she is to blame?

How could you make her break her ties?
From her confidants, friends and family
We now know that you cut off her lifelines
So that you could hide your brutality

If you live in an abusive relationship
Get help, find a way to escape… a release
Statistics show that abusers don’t just stop abusing
And, unchecked, violence will only increase

Every fifteen seconds, just think
While I wrote this line another woman was hurt
Abused physically, emotionally, and mentally
Somewhere, right now, another woman is questioning her worth

©2009, Barbara S. Talley- www.ThePoetSpeaks.com