I’m telling my story in my memoir so others will be able to learn from it. It is my mission to help victims of abuse to find and use their voice, and to do all I can to stop the cycle of abuse.

My story is meant to illustrate to friends and family of someone who has experienced domestic abuse or sexual assault that they need allies who will not judge them and will advocate for them. You are in a position to help them understand their options, which can include filing a police report, seeking an order of protection, developing a safety plan, sharing crisis hotline and shelter phone numbers. Your job as an ally is to empower a victim to make their own decisions. As they do, they will be on the journey from victim to survivor.  

And if you’ve been a victim or survivor of abuse, I stand with you. No one deserves to be treated the way you have been treated. It may seem impossible to believe, but there is a way forward.

There is hope for those who’ve experienced abuse. There is purpose greater than the sorrow. I know this is true, and I wrote this book knowing it is true for you, too.