October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Every year, I share this piece at least once publicly during this time. It’s the hardest piece I’ve ever written. It is based on an actual conversation I had with a friend who is now deceased, so it is emotionally draining to perform because I can remember faces (and cries) of the young men who were affected by this type of abuse. I share it because I hope that by speaking up for the one(s) who can’t, it will spread awareness and help someone somewhere.
It’s separated into three parts and as if two different people. Some people prefer the shorter version of just the “message” while others want the full piece. There are time markers that show the beginning of each section.
Trigger Warning: topic of sexual abuse