This was originally published in the Canadian edition of HuffPost (formerly known as The Huffington Post) on June 11, 2013, while I lived in Germany. I’ve never forgotten the experience that moved me to write it. I was glad to see it moved others, too. In the era of the “Me Too” movement, this piece is as important today as it was when it was first published.

This week, I had a drink with a very good friend. After a little conversation about this and that, we started on a very interesting subject. It was regarding an upcoming event and I could see it was weighing heavily on his mind. I listened to him because that’s exactly what he needed.

He’s currently in a relationship with a wonderful woman and it’s getting quite serious. In the coming week, they’ll be attending a special gathering of her family. Her parents will be present, as well as her adult children with their spouses and children. Friends and other members of the family will also be there, including her ex-husband, who is the father of her children. He also happens to be the man who raped and brutally sodomized her for the last four years of their nine-year marriage.

Click here to read more at The Huffington Post.

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My 7th Toastmasters Speech…with Tears

Extra: On the surface, “How Come, How Long”, performed by Babyface, featuring Stevie Wonder, is a beautiful song. But it’s really more than that. The words skillfully tell of the sadness and pain of domestic violence. Below is the video. Listen to the content and emotion of the song and you’ll understand.

How Come, How Long
Performed by Babyface, featuring Stevie Wonder
Composed by Stevie Wonder & Babyface
Produced & Arranged by Babyface
© Copyright 1996

Click here your can read the lyrics
Click here to download MP3 of this song.
Click here to download the entire album, titled “A Collection Of His Greatest Hits”.