Tuesday, 6 August 2013

Stress and Stature: What if...


Look at the picture on the left and you will likely notice how petite, Ariel Castro’s victim was. It made me think, what if the physical and emotional stress was the cause of her size. We’ve seen what physical stress has done to gymnasts’ bodies. The girls’ frames remain in a frozen state of pre-pubescence. So is it a far cry that years of abuse could do the same? I’ve seen the way abused women shrink into themselves – head down, chin pulled into their chests. Could the constant assault on the body and the soul have reduced this victim’s physical development? Or is it even possible that her body purposely stopped growing as a way of protecting itself – the way the mind can block out traumatic events.

Despite the young lady’s diminutive stature, she is incredibly strong for not only having endured the abuse but also for being able to speak in a court with the abuser not far from her.  On the inside, this woman is standing 10 feet tall.

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