Domestic Violence is a People Problem not just a Women's Problem
HOW COULD A BATTERER'S INTERVENTION PROGRAM SAY MY ABUSER WASN'T AN ABUSER BUT A VICTIM?
I sought out their website and found that they believe
"There are two sets of rules for partners in these relationships: he commonly has the privilege, while she has the responsibility."
“What do I say when he blames his partner?”, or “What do I say/do when he gets angry?”, or “What do I say when he refuses to take ownership of his behavior?”
And these are professionals who are trained to understand Domestic Violence? How can I feel safe when they only present men as abusers and women as victims?
Is my penis a birth defect? Can I not feel pain because of the arrangement of my chromosomes? Is my daughter safe because her mother is a woman so she is genetically incapable of being an abuser?
I spent a year and a half in court fighting to protect my daughter and was able to get sole custody of her mental health and her mother must undergo a batterer's intervention program before getting overnights only to be confronted by this prejudice.
I admit, I don't look the part, I would never get cast in the role of myself for the simple fact that I am a man.
But there is physical evidence of abuse. She was arrested.
But I am not allowed access to that report because the assault was inflicted by my girlfriend?
In a system where evidence trumps experiences I am not allowed to have the evidence that proves my experiences to be true. So I am left with little more than my words.
I WILL RISE UP
been beaten and battered but
I WILL RISE UP
though this tragedy of trauma
I WILL RISE UP
my Spirit hammered like steel
I WILL RISE UP
abuse has strengthened my will
I WILL RISE UP
you filled me with pain
but i Remain
and i Refuse to be reStrained
I WILL RISE UP
no Fear will be above
I WILL RISE UP
i Have reLearned to Love
I WILL RISE UP
to achieve my True Glory
I WILL RISE UP
share my whole story
I WILL RISE UP
no more moments of "oh poor me"
I WILL RISE UP
and show everyone i Am
a Hue Man
not just abused and abandoned
I WILL RISE UP
I WILL RISE UP
I WILL RISE UP
i WILL
