Violent Relationships

If you are in an abusive relationship, it is not your fault. You deserve to be safe and free from violence.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 and tell them who you are, who is hurting you and where you are (the address).

Womenspace Crisis line # 485-6513 or 1-800-281-2800

Dear Diary,
There’s something I have to tell you,
I can’t go to school tomorrow,
And I can’t face my friends.
I can’t face the questions.
I know they’ll see the bruise.
I know they’ll ask me why.
I know I’ll tell them.
I didn’t do anything at all.
So why did I have his anger?
At school they all adore him.
He’s Mr. Popularity.
I’m sure they think I lied.
Everyone thought I was lucky.
They all wished they were me. I’m glad I left him behind.
I’m glad he won’t call me anymore.
Then I’ll tell my friends.
I’m going to tell his parents.
I’m going to tell mine too.
So word gets around in school
That he’s a bastard.
That he hit me hard.
That what’s to stop him.
From hitting others?
I’m going to stop him.
Stop him with the truth.
He will ask me to relent.
He will ask me to come back.
I know he loves me.
But I won’t take it.
I won’t deal with his violence.
I never thought this would
Happen to me.
It won’t happen again.

Dear Diary,
I’ve read the stories.
I don’t want to be a statistic
In ten years. I can forget him.
I can forget his face.
I can get past this.
But my face will never forget his fist.

Alice R., 16, Massachusetts