What is domestic violence? Domestic violence is when one person hurts another person who had or has a relationship. Domestic violence exists in homosexuals, aggressive women towards men, aggressive men towards women, races, religions and or social groups.

There are different types of domestic violence which include verbal, emotional, mental, economical, sexual, and physical. All these types of abuses affect children in many ways. For example, it affects their mental and emotional states. They become afraid, insecure, blame themselves, and feel worthless.

The children’s reaction to this abusiveness will result in a backlash where they may become perfect students with many problems, become aggressive, bully or feel lonely. Many believe that the person that loves them should hurt them. Children may show physical reaction by being obsessed or by losing weight in short amounts of time, sadness and depression may occur. Children that suffer from this terrible abuse may also become an abuser, addicted to alcohol, drugs or sex.

Why do women tolerate abuse? Most of these woman believe their husbands will change and others because they don’t know where to find help. That’s why the Organization of Lideres Campesinas help these women by referring them to places such as shelters, legal protection, and agencies.

For more information contact Ramona Felix Lideres Campesinas (specialist) or visit: www.liderescampesinas.com

I Got Flowers Today

(Dedicated to all battered women)

I got Flowers today!

It wasn’t my birthday or any other special day.

We had our first argument last night,

And he said a lot of cruel things that really hurt.

I know that he is sorry and didn’t mean to say the things he said,

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today!

It wasn’t our anniversary or any other special day.

Last night he threw me into the wall and then started choking me.

It seemed like a nightmare; but you wake up from nightmares to find they aren’t real.

I woke up this morning sore and bruised all over. But I know he must be sorry,

Because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today

And it wasn’t Valentine’s Day or any other special day.

Last night he beat me and threatened to kill me.

Makeup and long sleeves didn’t hide the cuts and the bruises this time.

I couldn’t go to work today because I didn’t want anyone to know. But I know he’s sorry because he sent me flowers today.

I got flowers today!

And it wasn’t Mother Day or any other special day.

Last night he beat me again, and it was much worse than all the other times.

If I leave him, what will I do? How will I take care of the kids? What about the money?

I’m afraid of him, but I’m too scared and dependent to leave him. But he must be sorry, because he sent me flowers today.



I got flowers today!

Today was a very special day-it was the day of my funeral.

Last night he finally killed me; I was beaten to death.

If only I could have gathered the courage and strength to leave him. The women's shelter could have helped me,

But I didn’t ask for help.

So I got Flowers today - for the last time!!

-Paulette Kelly