October 22nd, 2011 Dozens of women in bridal gowns and men wearing black walked a seven-mile route through Washington Heights, Harlem, East Harlem and sections of the Bronx to raise awareness of domestic violence, on the anniversary of the death of a local woman who was murdered by an ex-boyfriend.
The annual event, organized by New York Latinas Against Domestic [...]
August 22nd, 2011 Things that are ridged, like glass, break under pressure. Things that are flexible, like a tree, stretch and give under pressure so that they can return to their original shape when the pressure has passed. The glass and the tree do not get to choose what they will be but as a person you have [...]
July 14th, 2011 Last night I spoke for the first time as a domestic violence survivor and a healer. It has been challenging to admit that I was once a victim even with all my years of training as a psychologist. However, I believe that it can be comforting, inspiring, and helpful to know that I have not [...]
June 13th, 2011 There are many forces so big that we cannot conquer them alone. Ending domestic violence and improving the systems designed to help victims are just two. The power of numbers allows us to change the direction of huge forces in ways we could never do alone. Consider uniting with others today so you can make [...]
May 14th, 2011 Much like the rain, domestic violence is a constant assault. Even when you are not being physically or emotionally abused, the fear of the next event can wear you down. Being worn down and worn out does not erase who you are. The journey to rediscovering yourself starts with one little step.
Find a way [...]
May 13th, 2011 A large component of healing is time. You cannot expect to feel better in an instant. However, time alone is often insufficient for true and lasting healing. Work is also necessary. This may mean working to find a new perspective about an experience. It may mean processing painful thoughts. However, the gift of time helps [...]
May 9th, 2011 Fear is an emotion frequently experienced by victims and survivors of domestic violence. Fear is the major means by which someone maintained or attempted to maintain power and control over you. Fear is an important emotion designed to help us recognize and respond to danger. Frequent and prolonged experience of fear interferes with our ability [...]
May 2nd, 2011 How do you define problems? There is a big difference between defining problems as crisis or as a challenge. A crisis is a time of intense danger; a challenge is a situation that tests your abilities. Challenges offer you opportunities to grow and get stronger.
Today I see my problems as challenges!
From: Metamorphosis: Journaling the path [...]
April 29th, 2011 I met Jacqueline Rowe at my last speaking engagement in Brooklyn for BetTiFi. Ms. Rowe is helping herself and others heal by breaking the silence. Her organization, Face MY Abuse, produces videos of survivors telling their stories of abuse. For survivors telling the story is a powerful first step in the healing process because a [...]
April 8th, 2011 Living with DV often leads us to focusing on the struggles, focusing on the problems, and or focusing on the negative.
These struggles are necessary to make us stronger so we can progress. Problems give us an opportunity to grow. Every struggle makes us stronger.
Every setback gives you and opportunity to step up.