subject: Don't be the Silent Victim [print this page] Don't be the Silent Victim Don't be the Silent Victim
Child abuse, battered-wife syndrome, domestic violence, and sexual abuse: each the darkest place to be, yet for some, sadly, the most familiar. Just because it is routine does not mean that it is acceptable. For many, as far back as memory allows, these scenarios have become comfort zones-the air they are accustomed to. It is a sick sense of security, a deceitful place of surety.
These are victims of brainwashing and manipulation. Beaten down both emotionally and physically, sometimes their strength and will are simply gone. Sometimes it is easier to just be what you are rather than to fight the oppression. However, to yield to the violator is often to take a certain path of destruction.
In the case of Michael O' Mara's situation in Angel's Blues, he is prey for his father and his uncle. Author Rhonda Tibbs writes, "The first blow from his father's big fist struck the side of Michael's head and he turned his face to the wall, taking three additional blows to his back. 'I'm sick of you screaming like a little girl every night!' Michael held his position, hoping this episode was finished, but his father grabbed him by the ankle and yanked him from the bed. Before he finished bouncing off the hardwood floor, his father was gone again." If this were not enough, in addition, his uncle sexually molested him on countless occasions. Michael felt trapped; he felt this was his destiny because it was all he knew.
Intimidation kept Michael silent, as it does many victims. Intimidation almost destroys Michael to the point of near death-because it is a coward's best tool. Realizing that this is the only weapon an abuser has is to realize there is a chance to break free and end the violence.
Living life to the fullest and the potential for a peace-filled existence is within reach of those who will not be intimidated and who will step up and be heard. Speaking out like Michael eventually does is to employ that well of courage deep down inside of each victim. To be that voice, to be the one who stakes a claim to normalcy and tranquility, is to live life as it was intended. Angel's Blues is as much therapeutic as it is inspirational for anyone who has ever suffered abuse and thought about breaking free.
