When I heard the tape of Mel Gibson demeaning and threatening his former girlfriend - the mother of his child - it reminded me of the abuser I escaped from. I applaud her for taping him and I applaud the person who released them to the public - domestic violence is not a personal problem - it affects everyone. I hope it opens more serious discussion about this serious crime. I wish the media would stop with the victim blaming though. Victims of domestic violence do not ALLOW the abuse - it's forced on them. They feel trapped, alone, confused and ashamed. All victims of abuse resist in the safest way they can....they develop coping strategies to survive.... they are not weak - they're strong.....they want to live......they want to feel safe......they need help, compassion and support- not harsh judgement which just adds to the heavy burden of shame they already carry.

I was very honoured to receive The Tulip Award for my book, 'Sleeping with a Psychopath'. I felt validated because the award was presented by a local women's shelters - those amazing people who help the victims/survivors of domestic violence. To have their support, acknowledgement and encouragement, for me, meant my story was important - the message.

'Sleeping with a Psychopath' is available at amazon.com

I've done local television and radio interviews to promote my book - it's kind of exciting. I hope and pray my story reaches a place in readers ----- a place of compassion ---- a place of awareness ----- a place of change.

A day doesn't go by that I don't think about the women and children suffering in silence. I remember the feeling of hopelessness and deep, heavy shame. I remember 'wishing' he would just go away, disappear - change. I was imprisoned by fear. He promised if I ever left him he would find me - no matter where I went. I believed him. I didn't know what to do - I felt trapped. It's the worst feeling.

I did escape - with help. I pressed charges and he went to prison for ten years. Now my message is this; don't judge until you've walked in someone else's shoes. Victims of domestic violence are harshly judged and it's wrong. If you've never been in that situation you have no idea what they cope and function through. Victim blaming ads to their pain and loss of self-respect - it stops them from telling anyone - from seeking the help they so desperately need.
Reach out and help - reach out and lift someone up - support women's shelters. Be kind.

This morning I did a television interview to promote my book ----- I was nervous at first -----thankfully the interviewer made it as comfortable as possible. it will air on Monday, January 11 on Calgary Global T.V.

My book is now available on amazon.com and the barnes and noble online bookstore. It's an intense story - it will make you laugh, cry, feel and cheer!!!