The Calm before the Storm and Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I wanted to write a short story to raise awareness for Domestic Abuse. This cause is very near to my heart.

The last two years of Erica Bloom’s life have been spent looking over her shoulder. Sawyer Marsh promised the day she filed for divorce and left him, that if he couldn't have her no one would. Even though Sawyer hasn’t contacted her in two years she’s still feared for her life. She remembers all too well the nightmare their marriage was and what it felt to be on the receiving end of his wrath.

The news of Sawyer’s engagement allows Erica to finally let her guard down and enjoy her new life and budding relationship with Brock Maxwell. 

While away relaxing at Brock’s vacation home on the Willow Lake, the past comes back to haunt her. Were the past few years just the calm before the storm? 



Get you copy FREE on  Smashwords    iTunes   Barnes & Noble



Watch the Trailer:

Here are some Domestic Violence Statistics

§  Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.

§  Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.

§  Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

§  Every day in the US, more than three women are murdered by their husbands or boyfriends.

Those facts alone make you want stand up and do something. One thing you can do if you're in an abusive relationship or know someone that is please get help by calling the hotline.

National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE (7233) or TTY 1−800−787−3224

From the Safe Horizon Website

Are You in an Abusive Relationship?

• Are you ever afraid of your partner?
• Does your partner threaten to hurt you?
• Does your partner control all the money?
• Has your partner ever pushed you or shoved you, thrown things at you, or forced you to have sex?
• Does your partner stalk you or show up uninvited at your job or when you’re out with friends?

If you said yes to one or more of these questions, you may be a victim of domestic violence.

Get our Domestic Violence Tip Card - 10 Signs (PDF).

You might feel hopeless, desperate, confused, and alone. You may not want to tell people about your situation because you feel afraid, ashamed, or embarrassed. You are not alone, and help is available in your community. If you are in New York City and are being abused by your partner, Safe Horizon can help you. Safe Horizon is the largest provider of domestic violence services in the country. Our counselors are compassionate and experienced, and can help you explore all your options.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence, sometimes called battering, family violence, or intimate partner violence, is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Domestic violence can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, and/or sexual abuse. Abusers use threats, intimidation, isolation, and other behaviors to gain and maintain power over their victims.

Domestic violence can affect anyone, regardless of income, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or religion. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. Domestic violence occurs in same-sex relationships and men can be victims as well.

If you are being abused, call Safe Horizon's Domestic Violence Hotline

800.621.HOPE (4673) - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Here are two amazing songs that hit this message home.