SHALVA clients and other survivors of domestic abuse are often told “no one will believe you.”. Those words have a silencing effect for those who are considering telling their story.
Our recent program, Survivors Speaking Out: The Legacy of Celebrity Cases, highlighted the benefits and risks to survivors who want to share their experience. Revealing what happened in their own relationship risks more abuse, but it also empowers survivors to have a voice and take back control of their lives.
Why take the risk?
Speaking out lets other survivors know they are not alone, raises awareness of the impact of abuse on survivors, and educates about the many nuanced aspects of the abuse and aftermath issues. This develops a strong community where survivors can connect with others who share similar experiences, instead of feeling alone and isolated. Most important, it offers hope to other survivors in their own healing.
To watch the program, visit our YouTube channel.