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Stories of domestic violence lay hidden, beneath the surface, in our communities.
In an effort to break the cycle of silence for other women, I have written, “Revealing the Truth: Speak Up & Speak Out” sharing my own encounter with Domestic Violence.
I am currently at work on a second title, “Under the Covers of Darkness” This book seeks to peel back the layers of the story taking the reader on a rarely seen behind the scenes look at what went on beneath the surface. Astonishingly, this book portrays a dialogue from both sides. It is an under the microscope view. To achieve this, I have invited my ex-husband, (of more than 10 years), to join me in the writing of this book. Stories of other women are shared. Domestic Violence is defined including important statistics. There is a go to section, including scorecard, on identifying controlling and other types of abusive behaviour.
On this website you can read about my findings and views on domestic violence, you can interact via my blog (I would love to hear your comments) and you can purchase my e-book with which I intend to inspire readers, imparting hope. You can join us on Facebook jacqueline harrison limited or follow us on twitter @jharrison
I have written my story as if we are in the same room. It is a conversation which takes place unravelling the truth about what was going on behind the scenes in my marriage. A different reality to the “picture perfect” illusion I tried so hard to create, for the outside world. That is, until eventually, I realised that the problem was bigger than me, that it could not be hidden, what I was attempting to do, (to fix the problem from inside the marriage), was beyond my capability.
Suffering at the effect of domestic violence is daunting, confusing and dangerous. It is important to me, that others realise they are not alone. Hope exists beyond keeping quiet. There is help available, it is possible to break-free, creating a satisfying and deeply fulfilling life on the other side of abuse.
It is not okay to act violently. It is not okay to abuse in any form. Mostly, we recognise abuse in the following ways: verbally, physically, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, financially or socially. Abuse of any kind is insidious. Silence keeps the behaviour in play. Domestic Violence and abuse worsens overtime. We cannot “fix” the behaviour. No amount of love, kindness, commitment or care can make it go away, even though we believe it can. We must value ourselves, we must stand up, speak up and speak out. We must ask for help in the early stages. It is okay, you are not a failure. There is NOTHING wrong with you. It is NOT your fault!
Dominating intimate partners by applying pressure to do things they do not want to do, constitutes abuse. Are you being abused?
If you need to leave due to the intensity of the abuse you are receiving I recommend professional assistance. I strongly recommend against verbalising an intent to leave. Leaving or following leaving, is one of the most dangerous times. Abuse does not ever disappear on its own.
Keep yourself safe. Women do not wake up in the morning and say, ” Hey, today is a good day to die.” Take steps to protect your life. We cannot imagine ourselves becoming this kind of statistic. It happens, do not let it happen to you.
$5NZD from every copy sold will be donated to the prevention of Domestic Violence.
