Tag: domestic violence

Fiction and Femicide – Writing Characters Who Survive Domestic Violence

Toni Morrison once said: “This is precisely the time when artists go to work…. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.”

With her declaration in mind, and with many of our hearts heavy from a recent spate of lives lost to domestic violence—women whose stories ended too soon—I’ve found myself thinking about how the subplot of a woman in an abusive relationship is woven through my first three novels: Speak to My Heart, Nothing But the Right Thing and Watercolored Pearls.

Each storyline was born out of a desire to give voice to what so many women endure in silence—an issue I also spent a decade reporting on as a journalist, including interviewing nearly a dozen women who fled and sought help in a shelter.

Nothing But the Right Thing in particular showcases the fictional story of Erika, a woman navigating the complicated journey out of an abusive marriage — and the professionals and friends who become her lifeline.

There is more in this space worth your time, as well. My author friend Micki Berthelot Morency’s The Island Sisters follows a character’s journey through domestic violence amid a circle of friends she must learn to trust. My author friend Dr. Samone Brown’s novel (and Amazon Prime movie) Beneath the Scar shares the journey of a new bride facing abuse. There are also the novels Black and Blue by Anna Quindlen and Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult.

If you enjoy books and movies, I’m sure you can add to this list.

Words alone can’t heal, but if you or someone you love is searching for understanding, courage or simply the reminder that there is a way forward, I pray these stories offer a measure of support.


You Are Not Alone: If you or someone you love needs help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.

Novels about domestic violence: Speak To My Heart, Nothing But the Right Thing, Watercolored Pearls, Island Sisters, Picture Perfect, Beneath the Scar

Her Story: I Was Built for Hurricanes

By Guest Blogger Margo Clifford

I woke up one morning and realized I was living in a nightmare. My partner had told me the night before, that if he couldn’t have me then no one would. He brought out his rifle and leaned it against the headboard of our bed. He meant every word. I was in an abusive relationship and needed a way out. I was scared and ashamed. How did I let this happen?

Abusive relationships don’t start out that way. At the beginning he was charming and thoughtful. Wanted to meet my friends. Loved that I had a college degree. He wanted the same things I wanted. Family was important. I was sure I had found a keeper. However, 3 months in and the tiny cracks began to show in the perfect boyfriend. His temper began to eek out. An unprovoked outburst, accusations of betrayal, and jealousy over friends became my new normal. It was no longer a loving relationship. No matter what I did, it was never good enough. There was always the feeling of dread not knowing how he would come home from work. The abuse was usually done in a rage followed by his denial that he had done anything wrong because according to him I deserved it.

At that point I became driven to understand him, to figure out how to fix the relationship and examine my part in all of this. I began reading books about people with anger issues and domestic violence. I wanted to know why it happened to me. My search for answers led me to volunteer at a shelter for battered women, take a crisis counseling class and help abused women. I realized my relationship was not going to change and I needed to leave. My good friend witnessed one of his tirades and contacted my folks. I had been too embarrassed to admit to them what had been happening. My concern about what others would think about me had gotten in the way of receiving the support I needed. Without any questions my family was there for me. I realized that I couldn’t do this alone and was able to escape.

My mom asked me recently if I regretted that time in my life. I had to admit that the relationship had a silver lining. That experience made me a stronger woman. It was the push I needed to move away and go to graduate school. I realized I had been playing small, and that there was so much more that I could do with my life. And I have.

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1526251_10206057717790061_4707442569239819648_nMargo Clifford is a crusader for children’s rights and empowering young minds to think, create and believe in themselves. As an educator for over 40 years, she has witnessed the amazing resilience that children have to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way. She is currently working on a book about two brothers dealing with homelessness. When she’s not working with children, she is writing, doing art, beekeeping and spending time with friends, family and her dog, LuLu.