As a survivor and advocate for victims of domestic abuse, I am passionate about addressing three key areas on a public platform. Too often, survivors find themselves voiceless, their voices silenced by the violence inflicted upon them. Yet, as survivors educate themselves about the dynamics of abuse and vocalize their needs, their voices gain strength. United, our voices become catalysts for change, heralding a new era of awareness and action.

This raises the question: “Are most people truly committed to instigating change?” From what I’ve observed, some individuals exploit the dramatization of physical violence on social media and television to garner attention and further their political agendas, such as advocating for gun control. I don’t disregard the fact that statistics show women are five times more likely to be killed in domestic violence situations when guns are present.

The public response to the “MeToo” movement showcases the transformative power of unified voices. One person’s courageous stand against sexual harassment and assault sparked a wave of change. But what about domestic violence within the church?

Education stands as the foundational step toward breaking free from violence. Despite being a college graduate and an emergency room nurse, I found myself lacking the knowledge necessary to recognize early signs of domestic abuse. This deficiency in awareness made it all too easy to overlook the warning signs during the initial stages of my relationship.