I’ve been following a local case where a woman was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The coroner listed her murder as a “crime of passion”. I have many issues with this, to me, it smacks of excusing the behavior of a murderer and it trivializes the heartache of those that have to go on living without her. We should never excuse murderous or harmful behavior, and if you are in an abusive situation please, get help. You can go to Women’s Law or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. 

“A crime of passion”

Ignored the woman

With terror in her eyes

As she was choked.

“A crime of passion”

Cared nothing for the woman

As it stabbed at her, over and over again,

Throwing her arms up to be in harm’s way,

To protect her very life.

“A crime of passion”

Hated the woman

For rejecting it.

“A crime of passion”

Took a mother from her children,

A girl from her friends,

A daughter from her parents,

A woman from herself.

“A crime of passion”

Gave no consideration

To the vibrant, breathing,

Living, terrified, and angry woman

Before it murdered her.

“A crime of passion”

Is nothing but another

Pathetic excuse

To explain away a murder

Most heinous.