Dark Secrets

Do you live with a secret fear,
Wait every day, somewhere in dread?
Are you scared of someone that’s near,
Afraid in your home, in your bed?

Is it there’s a certain someone
Who causes you worry or grief?
A person who thinks that they’ve won,
Do you think there’s no way for relief?

Is it physical, leaving bruises?
Handled in a way that’s rough,
By people who have short fuses,
Who, for you, make every day tough?

Is it subversive with slurs and taunts,
Remarks for which there’s no excuse,
Hurtful and sly that your dream haunts?
That’s psychological abuse.

Is there somebody very good,
Or appears to be to strangers?
Who takes more than they ever should,
And your security endangers?

Are you vulnerable, elderly, ill,
Are there any sexual advances?
Does anyone overpower your will?
Or often with you takes chances?

Are your needs frequently ignored?
Are you given enough to eat?
You’re not alone, numbers have soared,
Those that harm you, we will defeat.

Please believe me, I will not doubt
The horrors that you have to reveal,
You must be brave, to me speak out,
And no more ‘dark secrets’ conceal.