There came a time during my healing journey when I felt victims of domestic abuse needed me to speak on their behalf. I chose to stand up for them through my podcast platform with the conviction that, on the other end, I would reach expansive podcast listeners who could listen to my story to understand the stories of other women who can't speak for themselves.
In the second season of I am Helen Keller's Daughter Podcast, each episode has the purpose of shattering judgment surrounding victims of domestic violence. First and foremost, my earnestness is in sharing our realities as victims of abuse. Secondly, I want to share how I altered my trust and view of others to protect myself and, in the process, blindly concealed my true identity. My concealment at the time felt like survivorship, so I could get to my next destination. I knew I could either lose my life or protect it, hoping someone would come to save me while I acted in regretful ways that shielded me from further mental harm. Unfortunately, none of my behaviors on the surface looked like I was screaming for help, and consequently, the reactions I received were judgment, blame, and avoidance.
Let me ask you this question, how does a soldier fighting on the battlefield who has clearly lost decide when to surrender their gear and guns when they aren't sure those on the opposing side will or will not kill them? What does that soldier's surrender look like?
The first step in helping abused victims is to let go of judgment and offer mercy. The mercy will come to you when you genuinely listen to my story and that of many others as if we were your daughters, sisters, and mothers. How many people could we help if we realized victims' actions are veneer and intertwined with their true selves to retrieve their minds and soul from losing their hope for life after violence. We witness the person in their totality and seek justice for them.
* National Domestic Abuse Helpline 1-800-799-HOPE
** SMS Text "START" to 88788
** End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin 1-608-255-0539
Speak up for those who can not speak for themselves. Render justice, give mercy. Act justly and walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8