One of the most touchy and emotional issues in today's world is one that is far more common a problem than most people like to believe: domestic violence and abuse. Many people experience some sort of abusive situation in their life, or they know someone who is being/has been abused. Whether it be you, a friend, a family member, or the woman who lives at the end of the road, violence touches our lives in a very deep way.

In this article, I want to feature some very beautiful (if chilling) pieces that look into the world that we are often too afraid to see.
Even many abuse victims spend years denying that anything like this ever happened to them. Some block it out and cannot even remember until later in life. And all of them are deeply affected by it. Physical violence, verbal and emotional abuse, rape, neglect... they happen every single day in every single country. And many people are blissfully unaware of what is happening in their very own backyard.

We need to open our eyes and take a good look into that shadow in the corner instead of assuming that our eyes are only playing tricks on us. Here is a small piece of the darkness to which we often turn a blind eye.

Digital Art


Designs and Interfaces


Photography


Traditional Art


Literature


Let it affect you, if only to urge you into action. If you are in this type of situation, look for a way out. If you know someone who is being abused by a spouse, a parent/guardian, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or even a sibling, don't just pretend it isn't there. To ignore a person's suffering is almost as bad as causing their pain.

There are so many hotlines out there, so many shelters that take people in every day.
Look for your local resources.

Be aware... and don't just stand by.

=saffyre-onyx