Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be an incredibly isolating experience for those who have or are currently experiencing it.  It’s not uncommon for friends and family members to encourage the abused party to “just leave.”  While those who have experienced it know that leaving is not that easy.  There can be a number of reasons why it is not easy for someone to simply leave-including statistics that demonstrate increased risk of violence and death when someone decides to leave. After a person has left an abusive relationship, there is still a lot of work to be done.  They often have to rebuild financially, professionally, and continue to struggle with feelings of isolation.  Our society still places a great deal of shame on people who have experienced intimate partner violence and it can be difficult for them who have escaped an abusive relationship to feel understood and supported.  As a counselor, I believe part of my work is to advocate for my clients and I believe one way I can do that is to share my personal experiences of domestic violence and work to help change laws that prevent victims from escaping abusive situations. Earlier this year, I had the privilege of being interviewed for the Kansas City Star about some of my childhood experiences growing up in an abusive home and how a particular law in Missouri prevented my mother from taking her children and leaving.  I was excited to do the interview and hoped that it would help start a larger conversation.   I recently became aware of the fact that my story got picked up by other sources and similar stories are also starting to be discussed.  I hope that these stories can be a small part of a conversation that leads to much-needed changes. The original interview can be found here  Part of the interview can also be seen without a paywall here You can find resources and information about domestic violence on the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence website: ncadv.org or by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800)799-7233. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please know that I understand and am here to help.