05/24/2026
Behind Closed Doors: The Reality of Domestic Violence.
By Tammy Englerth
Every bruise tells a story.
Every tear hides a fear
And behind too many closed doors, silence continues to protect abuse instead of the people suffering from it.
The first collage reflects the heartbreaking reality of domestic violence — not just the physical pain, but the emotional destruction, fear, manipulation, and hopelessness that victims and survivors face every single day. The images of tears, fear, screaming, isolation, and children witnessing violence remind us that domestic violence is never “just a private matter.” It affects families, children, communities, and generations.
The powerful message, “Love Shouldn’t Hurt,” speaks louder than any excuse ever made by an abuser. Love is supposed to protect, comfort, encourage, and uplift — not control, threaten, intimidate, or destroy. Yet many victims remain trapped because of fear, financial dependency, trauma, manipulation, threats, shame, or the belief that no one will believe them.
One of the most heartbreaking parts of domestic violence is the silence. Victims are often blamed, ignored, or questioned when they finally find the courage to speak up. Some suffer without visible bruises, carrying emotional scars nobody else can see. Others stay because they are trying to protect their children, survive another day, or simply because leaving can be the most dangerous moment in an abusive relationship.
The collage also reflects another painful truth: children are deeply affected by domestic violence. Even when they are not physically harmed, they witness fear, anger, control, and trauma that can shape their emotional well-being for years. No child should have to grow up believing abuse is normal.
But within the darkness, there is also a message of hope.
The purple ribbon symbolizes awareness, strength, survival, and support. It reminds every victim and survivor that they are not alone. There are people willing to listen, organizations fighting for change, and voices rising every day to break the silence surrounding abuse.
Awareness matters because silence allows abuse to continue. Education matters because understanding the warning signs can save lives. Support matters because healing begins when someone finally feels seen, heard, and believed.
Domestic violence is not weakness. Surviving it takes unimaginable strength.
As communities, we must do better. We must believe survivors. We must stop judging victims for staying and start asking why abuse continues to be tolerated. We must teach healthy relationships, provide stronger resources, improve system responses, and create safe spaces where survivors can rebuild their lives without fear.
The message behind this collage is clear:
Speak up.
Break the silence.
Choose respect.
Choose love.
Because no one deserves to live in fear.
For every victim still suffering in silence and every survivor fighting to heal — your voice matters, your story matters, and your life matters.
