Kiss the Creep: One Woman's View of Abuse

Abusive relationship statistics usually only refer to physical abuse, and only what is known. They don't include mentally or emotionally abusive relationships. The issue is so hidden, and in spite of any advances that have been made, there is so much that is still not known, because we don't know what goes on behind closed doors.

Combined with this is the reluctance by many of those who are in abusive relationships, to disclose what is happening to them for various reasons. These reasons are part of the abusive relationship statistics that are not included in the reports we get. They don't disclose, because they are too scared or embarrassed. But one young New Jersey, poet, Mayden Steele, has written a stunning poem that brings to light the shock and horror of being beaten and abused by someone you thought loved and cherished you.

I am proud to present: "Kiss the Creep," by Mayden Steele, who also created the accompanying illustration. She captures the brutal shock that occurs when one is abused. Usually people wait until after the wedding to show their true colors, but in this case, the color of blood is all too apparent at the wedding ceremony itself:

Kiss the Creep

This day I look truly beautiful.
A day sent from God.
My green gown lined with black lace.
My pale green veil hides my face.

My love is standing tall
At the end of the aisle.
My love's eyes, they tear
Through his silver smile.

When I reach him he holds my hand.
He squeezes it slightly, tightly.
It hurts me, but maybe it's just me.
Yes, that's it...it's me...

His children stand near to me.
As we are drawn together.
The priest speaks clearly.
Binds us forever.

I can't wait for your kiss, so soft and deep.
He says "Husband and wife...kiss the creep."

Kiss the creep.
The blow to my face.

Kiss the creep.
Blood splattering lace.

Kiss this creep with one swipe of your hand.
It's what it deserves, it's been so bad.

The creep in green lace
The stunned look on it's face.
How amusing.
But you all wouldn't know...

You just look away...
As he kisses the creep.

Domestic violence is still the single biggest threat of injury to women. More than heart attacks, cancer, strokes, car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. Statistics tell us the most dangerous place for a woman to be is in her own home, not some dark alley, squalid neighborhood, or isolated parking area.

Other statistics are, that in the United States, 3 women are killed every day by a husband, boyfriend or cohabiting partner in abusive relationships.

The abusive relationship statistics that are usually not included in any statistics we hear about, are all the other types of abuse that occur in relationships.

This includes: threats, breaking things, slamming doors excessively, throwing objects, overturning tables. It also includes all types of verbal, mental, emotional, and psychological abuse as well as a range of controlling and dominating behavior.

Many women are subject to having their whereabouts monitored and limited all the time. They are restricted in the contact they have with relatives and friends. It is often not recognized this is part of an abusive relationship.

All these are figures that are not contained in abusive relationship statistics. This means we never find out about the full extent of the problem. But if people bring it into the light, we can work on a solution. Keeping it hidden keeps the problem alive.