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.