The Silent Epidemic

How is it just    that the survivor    remains the victim    to the judicial system

Hope casted into 2017’s DVSJ Act    that has come to pass

Hope for the victims    that broke and became the “perp”    still further punished       to sentenced time, as if years of abuse –             wasn’t enough

Of course, no self-defense in the New York laws.

Clemency, retrial, resentencing, appeals fighting to get out these trenches

How is this okay?    abusers go unscathed    a slap on the wrist here    couple of days there

IDDT, ASAT,    TAMAR, ART, ACE, WPA Where’s the DV support groups    or counseling?

Lives shattered             unrepaired Souls lost             unfounded Bodies uncounted             toe tags piling

We face hell if we protest    worst yet if they ain’t dead  shackles still, if we find success when do we get a peace of mind?

Yet survivors    lie down with football numbers Children snatched away While the real perp at large terrorizing yet another…

Another DV history    another broken hearted    another low self esteem    another homeless runaway    another Vic    another ceaseless cycle

How is this just?    greasy criminal    society menace    Earth disturber       No one safe.

Domestic Violence    doesn’t discriminate    as silent of violent breeze       echoes of flesh blows             bones breaking. Phantom sniffles of bloody nose    remnants of hot tears. Whispers of pleas, stops, nos,       falls on deaf ears          blind eyes           as black and blue-ming           blossoms around the eyes    You better remain mute         play dumb,         mind your business

We’re in prison             And subjected    to the same stuff       packaged differently

Our officers    Sworn to Care custody and control Sworn to protect and defend Triggers our PTSD

Slams us up on the wall    To the floor bruising and breaking bones while lying in fetal positions    or in handcuffs yet we face disciplinary    for self defense or lack of That’s right?

Oh that’s right! No self defense in New York laws

Captain’s attacking his wife    another DOCCS staff.

“Lover’s quarrel”     turns bloody dare not snitch both facing SHU time    worst yet,    your date—       Taken.

This whole thing is sickening             bloody snot, disgusting.

DVSJ Act is hope    for those within DOCCS prisons to an extent

What’s there for those imprisoned             with a monster                         where they barely living?

Makes DOCCS look like a safe house             until you realize    There is no safe haven

How do we break    this vicious cycle?             Is there no limit?

There are no women empowerment    if this is still our secret living

We need more than awareness.