Empowering Statements from Domestic Violence Survivors
Photo credit: S:US
This year in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we created a poster board with two statements that we asked survivors at each of our domestic violence shelters to complete in their own words. The two statements were: “Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means/looks like…” and “I challenge domestic violence because…” The primary focus of creating these poster boards and engaging our survivors in this activity was to help them to envision a new life for themselves and their children. While there is fear in starting over or of the unknown, we wanted to help our survivors to write their own narrative of what this change would mean for them and give them a chance to dream of a better life for themselves and their children. Displaying these poster boards with their personalized and empowering statements in our shelters will help to serve as reminders to them as well as others on how important this journey is in changing their lives – and to encourage them to keep going.
Here are a few of the powerful survivor statements:
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means I am fully content and capable of everything that I decide to do for my family and myself.
I challenge domestic violence because I know my power.
-S.V.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means I can trust myself completely as my life unfolds to create my own story.
I challenge domestic violence because I AM A WARRIOR.
-L.T.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means I learned how to love myself unconditionally just as I am.
I challenge domestic violence because I am stronger each day.
-T.W.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means I opened up talking about my situation to help others get through it.
I challenge domestic violence because sharing my story encourages others to do the same.
-C.C.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means I have the power to change whatever I want.
I challenge domestic violence because broken bridges cannot stop me.
-B.M.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means my strength is greater than my struggle.
I challenge domestic violence because I have the courage to face any challenge.
-E.S.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means living my life with confidence.
I challenge domestic violence because every day I wake up with the willpower to keep pushing forward.
-Q.B.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means respecting myself, respecting others, and all people respecting me.
I challenge domestic violence because I have the power to change my story.
-M.C.
Breaking the cycle of domestic violence means I will gain a fresh perception of myself and make clear decisions.
I challenge domestic violence because I will rebuild my past and plan for my future.
-T.M.
Thank you to our amazing staff for supporting the families in our shelter, in stabilizing their lives and in helping them find permanent housing.