Tick the box

I wrote this poem in response to the news that revealed the horror of the abuse of girls in Rotherham.

TICK THE BOX 

 

Research shows

As a victim of abuse

I’m more likely to suffer

rheumatoid arthritis - artherosclerosis -

panic - anxiety - unexplained pain -

claustrophobia - agoraphobia - anyotherkindofphobia

Please delete or add as applicable

 


Statistics say

As a victim of abuse

I’m more likely to number amongst

the self harmers - drug misusers -

eating disordered - alcoholic -

mildly psychotic - child abusers -

Please tick all that apply

The media blares

As a victim of abuse

I’m very likely to have

asked for it - exaggerated -

got my facts wrong -

suffered at the hands of a ‘monster’

Please choose one category only

Society thinks that

As a victim of abuse

I can only be

unknown to them - damaged by a celebrity -

part of a cult - raised in an institution -

used by a politician

Please rank in order of relevance

I know

As a victim of abuse

Every day I feel

exposed guilty afraid

dirty humiliated lonely

detached needy ashamed

Please use the free text box to tell me what you think

(August 2013)