By Stephanie Smith
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM), a time when individuals and organizations across the country unite to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence on survivors and their communities. This year, BF2F International (Be Free 2 Fly International) and Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence (BTSADV) co-hosted the third annual “I Am Enough” symposium, offering an online space for healing, recovery, and empowerment.
The theme of the event, “Rebuild, Recover, Restore – Our Journey Towards/In/Through Recovery in the Power of Our Stories”, resonated deeply with the survivors, advocates, and experts who participated. This gathering emphasized how storytelling, self-determination, and healing are crucial components of reclaiming one’s life after experiencing domestic violence.
Rebuilding, Recovering, and Restoring: The Power of Our Stories
Domestic violence survivors often face stigmatization during their recovery journey. It can be difficult to navigate the complexities of healing, especially when societal attitudes may not always be supportive. The I Am Enough symposium created a safe, supportive environment for survivors to share their stories and heal together, reminding them of their inherent worth and strength.
Jaqueline Miller, the keynote speaker and founder of H.A.I.R. (Healthy Actions Intervening Responsibly), provided a powerful message: We are enough. She encouraged participants to find their voices, amplify their stories, and embrace their strength as they rebuild, recover, and restore. Through this process, survivors can acknowledge their losses, recognize the changes they’ve undergone, and create a positive vision for the future.
Recovery, Jaqueline emphasized, is a holistic journey—mind, body, and spirit. It’s non-linear and requires patience, adaptability, and self-compassion. She shared that even setbacks can provide valuable insights and growth opportunities. The ultimate goal is to restore what was lost and build a new fullness of life, one grounded in gratitude for what we have overcome.
Self-Determination: Reclaiming Our Power
Self-determination was a central theme throughout the symposium. As survivors reclaim their voices, they also reclaim their autonomy. Jaqueline’s message about self-determination resonated strongly: survivors do not need to answer to anyone or live under the control of an abuser. True healing comes when we recognize our power and our ability to make decisions that align with our values and beliefs.
The symposium highlighted that, while each survivor’s journey is personal, healing cannot happen in isolation. Community plays a critical role. Domestic violence impacts not just the survivors but their families and broader communities. The path to recovery involves connection, empathy, accountability, and support from others.
Real Stories of Strength and Resilience
The symposium featured personal stories from a panel of remarkable individuals, each sharing their unique journeys of overcoming trauma and finding healing. Their experiences demonstrated that recovery is possible and that through vulnerability and courage, survivors can transform their lives.
- Audria Maltsberger (BTSADV Board Secretary and Board Chair candidate 2024) shared how it took her over 10 years to find her voice for self-advocacy and self-determination. She spoke about how her journey strengthened her faith and belief in her purpose, using her story to help others.
- Melissa Santana, a podcast host of Santana Says, spoke about how she worked at a crisis center while living through her own abusive relationship. She realized she couldn’t allow her children to grow up in that environment and ultimately left, becoming an advocate for others.
- Rodney Owens, co-founder of Pathway to Serenity, helped redefine the concept of an abuser. He acknowledged his past mistakes, including breaking a promise to never harm his wife, and now works to help men heal from abuse and addiction, encouraging them to find redemption.
- Julia James shared how writing her mother’s story helped her reconcile with her past, turning her pain into transformation. By taking action and using the tools she had, she was able to break free from generational trauma and focus on healing herself first.
- Omar Sesay shared his grief and healing process following the murder of his sister, stressing that healing is a deeply personal journey. He encourages clients in his work as a counselor to take active steps toward change, focusing on empathy, accountability, and self-growth.
Each speaker demonstrated that recovery from domestic violence is a courageous, non-linear journey. And while it may be challenging, healing is not only possible—it’s transformational. Through sharing our voices and stories, we not only heal ourselves but create a ripple effect that inspires others on their journey to recovery.
The Importance of Breathing, Grounding, and Self-Care
The symposium also included a guided breathing meditation by JC Jackson, helping participants relax and ground themselves. Often, survivors of domestic violence carry deep physical and emotional stress. Acknowledging and consciously regulating our breath can help us detox, heal, and restore balance to our lives. As Audria Maltsberger said, “There is a blessing in our burden,” and we must remember to care for ourselves to care for others.
You Are Enough: Moving Forward in Hope and Healing
This powerful event concluded with a reminder that, no matter where we are in our journey, we are enough. Through self-determination, community support, and the power of our stories, survivors of domestic violence can rebuild, recover, and restore their lives.
At BF2F International and BTSADV, we are committed to supporting survivors as they reclaim their lives, rebuild their futures, and restore their sense of self. Through our work, we aim to provide survivors with the tools, resources, and community they need to heal and thrive.
Together, we can raise awareness, create lasting change, and help survivors rediscover their strength and their voice.
Hashtags:
#DomesticViolenceAwareness #DVAM #SurvivorStrength #SelfDetermination #HealingJourney #BeFree2Fly #IAmEnough #RecoveryAndRestoration #BreakTheSilence #Empowerment #VoicesOfSurvivors #BTSADV #TraumaHealing #DomesticViolenceRecovery
