Dv Out Loud

A survivor who's seen domestic violence up close and from every angle - child witness to teen victim and finally, cycle-breaker turned author, speaker and victim advocate - I founded DV Out Loud to help break generational cycles of domestic violence.> By speaking and writing about my own experiences, to shed light on how easily one can become trapped by an abuser, how brave one must be to endure, and even braver to break free.> By consulting with professionals who support victims to give them a better understanding of a victim's mindset and potential barriers to recovery, to foster more successful therapeutic and rehabilitative outcomes.>By speaking to teen and young adult groups, using real talk and unique perspectives to encourage boundary setting and choosing healthy relationships, as a way to honor their future selves. I speak out, because I believe the single biggest barrier to reducing domestic abuse is the shame and secrecy it carries for everyone it touches. Growing up with alcoholism-fueled domestic violence being my family's secret was a heavy toll. Two months after escaping my own abuser, I overheard someone tell a joke about a woman with two black eyes. That was the moment I had enough. I knew I'd never be silent about domestic violence again.(I told the guy the joke wasn't that funny if you'd actually *had* two black eyes.) I'm fortunate to work with organizations such as PAVE and Deaf Unity through speaking and fundraising and I look forward to partnering with more in the future. I am most excited to kick off my newest chapter; partnering with educators and school resource officers, to speak directly with high school students. I believe they are our best chance at making a real impact - not just to stop partner violence, but to foster healthy relationship dynamics that ripple out for generations to come. I speak about 'DV Out Loud', because the best way to heal a sickness that thrives in the dark, is to drag it into the light.