THIS LITTLE LIGHT

BY: CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON

I can vividly remember the first time I saw my Mother being physically abused. I didn’t know what to do. All I knew was that my mother needed my help. Being a child and having to witness the horrific brutality that was being inflicted on my Mother came at a cost. Even though the years have passed, those images replay in my mind to let me know that this unspoken abuse will forever be a part of who I am. Domestic violence goes far past the victims, it seeps into the lives of all involved. It can cause scars that will last longer than the physical abuse itself.

“Gerald’s Hands” does an outstanding job of depicting this “pink elephant in the room” scenario. Where domestic violence speaks the loudest is with Sebastian and Savannah. Their arrangement is that of the usual “master/subservient” relationship. Sebastian is the typical narcissist, using all the right words and actions to win over Savannah at first. But later his true face is exposed, berating not only Savannah but the main character Gerald. His actions soon escalate into physical abuse to which Savannah is the unwilling recipient.

Being a survivor of this monstrous abuse myself, I firmly believe someone has to stand up, no matter what. Whether the abuse is physical or verbal, no one should feel helpless and stuck in a domestic violence situation. No one should endure abuse on any level from any person, whether it be family, friend, or foe. Those screams for help must be heard and answered. No light is too dim in the night.

This silent killer has taken too many lives that were meant to flourish. We can no longer stand by and do nothing. First and foremost, if we are going to remove the problem, we must first address that one exists. Once it’s out on the table for all to see, place that dim little candle in the centerpiece. And that’s when the work begins. Protect it. Hold it. Surround it with support. Lift it up, never to be lost in the dark again.

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If you or someone you know is in danger and in need of help, please contact the National Domestic Violence hotline at 800–799-SAFE (7233).