Hello my name is Jewelia. I was a victim for 6 years and now been a survivor for 10. While in my abuse I stayed in multiple shelters one of which I currently work at as an advocate! My abuser took advantage of me as a young single mother using religion and my babies as a way to hurt and control me. The more I stayed at the shelters the more i learned and gained an understanding of dv and I was eventually able to leave him completely. What they dont tell you is life after abuse is just as hard I had to learn about boundaries and prevention while looking for a future partner and putting my foot down with my abuser because they often times still continue to control you through any avenue possible. I had to work through depression ptsd and finding my voice again. My dream job was to be an advocate and after 8 years of applying and trying I was fortunate enough to become a case manager at the first shelter I ever lived in when I was 18 with my 2 young children . Even finding a picture of us that was 10 years old whole shredding old documents . I was also able to write and publish my first book, my own memoir detailing my story after befriending a coworker who published all her own books. It was truly a moment of everything happens for a reason. I recently published my second book called battle to Brave . A book I wish I would have received in the beginning of my journey that helps not only survivors understand domestic violence but also loved ones and care providers. I spend my days working and writing dedicating my life to dv. I tried to run from it because at times always being reminded of my past is painful but it’s who I am. God allowed it to happen to me so it won’t happen to my own children and so I can be a light in someone else’s darkness leading them to the other side of that awful tunnel. Helping them is my therapy and I was able to heal through advocating my fellow survivor sisters. I am proof that shelters and education works. Without it I would probably still be with my abuser til this day or worse.
The Journey of a Domestic Violence Survivor: Healing and Resilience
By Survivor The life of a Survivor of Domestic ViolenceThe repair of the abuse is never repaired because the damage is too unrepairable, mental or physical abuse stays with the survivor for life.Future relationships will be affected by the triggers of the survivor and the relationship will usually suffer, to...
