Domestic Abuse 

As I was looking for a read worthy blog headline to write about in The National Domestic Violence Hotline, I ran into “Words Are Like Weapons, They Wound Sometimes…” by Susan Sparks, a domestic abuse survivor. I was so intrigued by her title that I decided to read it.  

A simple short blog that represented all 1 in 4 women being abused. A blog that talked about not being thrown into walls or slapped, but about being manipulated and threatened every time her abuser used his words against her. His words were his weapon and he knew how to use it well.  

This blog was about realizing after 20 years in a Cher concert that Susan related to her lyrics so much more than she though. The lyrics “Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes” and “If I could turn back time” hit her, right there in plain concert. She then wondered if other woman in the concert were feeling the same thing as her: Chills down her spine, the lyrics swirling in her head, and sudden realization of her domestic abuse.  

That concert changed her life. Now I wonder, how many people find that “concert” to change and get the support and strength they need to escape their abusive relationship? What about those that don’t?  

To break free is not easy, but a call can change everything. The National Domestic Hotline is available for those that need extra strength. If you know anyone that needs help call their hotline 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website at www.thehotline.org. Livechat is also available on the website to talk to an advocate. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and they provide services in more than 170 languages. 

It is never too late to get the right help.  

Written by: Brisa Rodriguez Alcantar 

For more information visit: www.thehotline.org