living with demons
'Living with Demons' is the name of the book I am currently writing. It will tell my complete story of living 32 yrs in domestic abuse. I use my own experiences to help others along their journey out of the darkness of a life behind closed doors, to empower the voiceless to find their voices and speak out and to help spread awareness of the devastating affects of domestic abuse not only within the family but also within the community. Here you will find shorter versions from pieces of my story of domestic abuse. Thank you for taking time to hear me as I speak out against domestic abuse.
Have you ever looked into the eyes of demons?
Have you ever looked into the eyes of demons?
That Day of All Days ©Debbie Naylor Cox I remember that day, the day of all days A young man in brown suede just happened my way His touch was so innocent, all in good play Yet the moment I turned, I knew right away The smile on his face filled my heart with his warmth Looking into his eyes took me so far away..... I remember that day, the day of all days That young man in brown suede came suddenly my way The love of my life, the light of my way Peace and good fortune went with me that day |
That was the first day I came eye to eye with my demons. Of course I didn't realize it back then. I was 15 yrs of age when I met my abuser. Do you believe in love at first sight? I do. Do you believe in love at all? I do. I want to share a little bit about my love and my life with you for three reasons:
1. In hopes that someone reading can relate in some small way and start their own journey to healing. 2. Writing is in my nature, it is healing to write about my story because it actually does help to face your demons and move on. 3. I hope that some readers who are not experienced with domestic abuse will take the time to read and try to understand how it can occur and why the victim most times does not react to their world as others would think they would or should. To bring awareness to domestic abuse. Its all about awareness. People need to be aware of domestic violence and abuse. Domestic violence and abuse comes in many forms. Sometimes its difficult to see when you are on the outside looking in because abuse is silent, it hides behind closed doors. |
People don't like to get involved and they don't like to see the ugly side of someone else's life, its easier to just stand on the sidelines and look in the other direction. The victims are programmed not to talk. Some of them are threatened if they do talk. Some of them are just ashamed; confused; unsure of their situation. There are many, many reasons why a victim lives with abuse. Please don't ever judge a victim of abuse until you have walked in their shoes.
I would also like to add that recovering from a domestic abuse situation is a long and very difficult process for most. As a matter of fact, the demons we encounter, and if we are lucky, escape from, live with us forever, burned into our hearts, our souls and our minds. Even the most successful survivor of abuse struggles daily within themselves with their demons from the past. Please pray for us all, try to be understanding and most of all be willing to be supportive in our struggle to meet our demons and move on with life.
We are in great numbers, overwhelming numbers across the continents. And when each of us is ready to speak out all we really ask is to be heard. Awareness is the key to stop domestic violence and abuse. Maybe you don't understand that? We the victims, realize that awareness not only helps others to understand if they will listen but also can help another victim still living in the darkness behind closed doors to realize that they can overcome and get out of a very traumatic situation and when they do decide that its time, they can find help and people that care and understand. It is very important to spread awareness people. It is very important to listen to the cries in the dark and recognize them for what they are. Victims and their abusers live in the shadows, behind closed doors. You may never guess who is living in the darkness. You may never see the signs at all. Abuse knows no boundaries, it comes in many forms and to any race, religion, gender, age or economic level. You really may be shocked to find out that the victim might be a good friend, a co-worker, or even a relative that you thought you knew very well.
I am now 56 yrs of age and I finally realized my demons and my abuser for what they were just 19 months ago, as I write this. I am still struggling with demons from my past but making very good progress. So please follow along with me through the world of just one domestic abuse survivor, ME. I hope it will help you to understand a little better, the world behind closed doors, and/or how to recognize the demons you may live with. I can't explain to you how to be rid of them completely because I haven't gotten there yet myself and to be honest with you, I don't personally think that anyone ever can be completely rid of them but you can face them and learn to deal with them and move on. And oh what a wonderful world you can live in from that day forward! What I can tell you is that living abuse free is absolutely Beautiful.