Commentary: Can you guess who I am?

By Shenitha Shiver, Fort Jackson Family Advocacy ProgramOctober 16, 2014

Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Shenitha Shiver, a domestic violence victim advocate with the Fort Jackson Family Advocacy Program, speaks to Moncrief Army Community Hospital visitors Oct. 8, to raise awareness for domestic violence prevention. South Carolina is ranked No. 2 in the... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. (Oct. 16, 2014) -- Hello, I am a silent killer. I know no names. I am not partial to age, gender or social class. People often get me confused with a security blanket, being powerful, harmless, loving and caring.

People look for me in the most obvious places, but they don't know I am the best-kept secret. You can say I am below the radar, with special skills, techniques, words and behavior. I camouflage myself very well. People smile at me all day in the streets, they laugh with me, share their life stories with me and they even trust me with their life. They often will put their own reputation on the line for my honor. They see me as gentle, kind and upright.

I know you are wondering who I am. I shared with you how people perceive me, but let me tell you a little about myself.

I love to strip power from people and degrade them. Because of my own shame, hurt, pain and low self-esteem I enjoy sharing these emotions with others. At times I become controlling, aggressive and hurt the people who love me.

Often, I show no mercy in my attack, yet I am forgiven for the pain, destruction and devastation I cause. People try to label me and understand me. They often say I am a vicious cycle, but sometimes I am unpredictable. One day I may attack you with my words, other days I may simply intimidate you.

I have been known to kill at the first attack, and other times I will torture you for a period of time before I execute my final, yet deadly, move. I think you may have figured out my name by now -- if not, I will tell you. My name is Domestic Violence.