The information available on the Internet and the World Wide Web can be very invaluable resources to your life. Not to mention the special friendships that may form and develop into close bonds and bring out a unique sense of unity in an online "family". Recently, while on a Liszt e-mail discussion group that I was subscribed to, I was the witness to an *incredible* happening when caring people came together from all over the world to help out an innocent victim of abuse. With the help and support, and financial aid of many members of this particular list, a woman and her children were able to plan and put in action an escape from an abusive husband---helping her start a new life with funds and donated items from generous members to help her on her way. One of the members even met this woman and drove her across the country to a safe environment far away from her abusive husband. I was *truly* touched and overwhelmed by the outpour of love and concern, and the incredible measures taken to help this woman and her children arrive to safety.

In this inspiring event, I wrote a poem called, "Battered" that I shared with the list at the time, to show my support and caring. I would like to share another of my personal writings, which I hope will touch you and inspire you to look upward and onward, and take action toward a new life without abuse. Because never forget that *YOU* are special!

~~ Unspoken Tears ~~ A heart that's tied can never fly It slowly bleeds its soul to die A heart that's closed can grow so cold And no one knows the light it holds A tear that trickles down a face Will yearn to find a loving place A tear that sails the ocean blue Will search the shore for love that's true A spirit crushed in darkened years Can hide away in trembling fears A spirit flowing through the sky Can drift away and pass you by A word that stabs you in the night Will shatter dreams you hold so tight A word that preys upon your tears Will torture those you love so dear A love that hurts you deep inside Is filled with anger, guilt and pride A love that helps you on the way Is pure and soothing every day Carole Roy

Safety Wings from the Web

Although you can find tremendous information, help and support through various internet discussion groups, you need to be careful and take precautions as to what information you disclose so it will not harm you, should your abusive partner be computer literate. Please visit,
Friends of Battered Women and Their Children - Safety Tips
for pertinent information about seeking help through e-mail discussion groups and the Internet.

If you are ready, would you like to tour a domestic violence shelter? Please join me as you are guided to a safe place where help, counseling and support are awaiting for you in the peaceful wings of many survivors...