Poverty in Chicago, IL (1974), Author/Source Danny Lyon for National Archive and Records Administration (NARA Record 1709309; NAID 555950), Original Source Environmental Protection Agency (PD as work product of federal govt.)
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Prov. 31: 8-9 NIV).
Poverty and abuse have much in common.
The traumatic and repetitive nature of child abuse, and the huge imbalance of power between adult and child, can leave profound psychological scars on victims – scars that may include PTSD, depression, and anxiety to name a few.
Often, victims are left with a fear of authority as adults. The impact of poverty is surprisingly similar.
Fear of Authority
Their hopes chronically dashed and their pleas for justice routinely ignored, the poor frequently assume further effort on their part will be futile.
People who have been repeatedly downtrodden – deprived of basic necessities, cheated of their rights by abusive landlords and the host of other scam artists who prey on the poor – will forget that they have a voice, and throw in the towel (already exhausted).
Angry and Overwhelmed
The thought of challenging a fraudulent real estate agent or employer can leave the poor feeling angry and overwhelmed. Why bother? Why risk failure and the associated pain?
That is one of the reasons getting the poor to vote is so difficult. They fail to recognize their potential power as a voting block. It is, also, one of the reasons the underprivileged sometimes explode in violence. Their patience at last at an end, they may see no other course open to them.
Of course, anger turned inward can become depression. That can manifest as apathy.
A Sense of Empowerment
Regaining control over their lives is essential for the poor. They deserve dignity and security.
Just as with the victims of abuse, if the poor can be convinced to risk confrontation in a judicial setting where their rights are protected, the act of standing up for themselves can help restore a sense of empowerment.
Success in any small degree (particularly when coupled with appropriate legal support and simple kindness) can help re-establish belief in a system from which the poor have felt excluded.
Whatever the outcome of litigation, the poor need no longer view themselves as voiceless children, forced once again to submit.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: http://www.alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Anna, they literally go hand-in-hand, shackling the poor who are constantly being abused. Funding needs to be redirected to poor communities as well as social workers. The neglect in itself is abuse. Starvation is abuse. The poor need proper nutrition. With schools closed, millions of minority children go hungry without that one meal of the day- breakfast. Poverty in itself is a worldwide pandemic. Truly shameful. Thank you, my friend, for another insightful post on society’s social injustices. Blessings.
Thank you for your loving heart, Lance.
My very sincere pleasure, Anna. And, thank you!
It’s so sad, Anna. I am thankful that I wasn’t raised in poverty. But, someone I love was and you are so right.
We appreciate how you’ve drawn these parallels. Thanks!
Poverty can be a hard cycle to break out of. I’ve seen it pass from generation to generation.
You are so right, Chris.
A powerful post! Thank you, Anna.
Thank you so much for reading.
This is so very true. Excellent post Anna. Our Country, law makers and world needs to change to eradicate poverty. This post makes so much sense to me. My parents were extremely poor. They knew what it was to be hungry and both grew up in alcoholic households. They wanted to be different but I think often they did feel powerless. We always had clothes on our backs and food to eat. However the abuse was horrific at home. Excellent point about the poor feeling powerless. Often it is because they are. If they fight or push back they may very well end up in prison or shot where they stand. Great points, and terrific article. Thank you dear Anna. Love 💕 to you and your loved ones. Joni
Thank you for sharing your story, Joni. That you became the person you are, despite such hardships, is a tremendous achievement. Love to you and yours, as well. A. ❤
Same to you my friend. We are protected by the full armor of God and He was and is and shall ever be Our Protector. ❤️💕💖