re;mind’s Post

📽️ Watch Sharon Livermore MBE Poem "Finding Me: A Journey from Fear to Freedom" 📽️ For the first time, we're releasing Sharon's powerful poem, Finding Me—a deeply personal reflection on the reality of domestic abuse and the journey to survival. In honour of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Sharon wanted to share her story to show that, despite the pain, there is hope and a future for survivors. 💜 Through raw and courageous words, Sharon's poem sheds light on the isolation, fear, and strength many survivors experience. Her message is clear: while the journey is challenging, reclaiming your life and finding peace is possible. This video is for all victim/survivors, those still facing the pain, and anyone seeking to understand the real impact of domestic abuse. Let Sharon's story be a reminder of resilience and hope. Watch the full video here and join us in advocating for a world where everyone is free from abuse. 💪 #FindingMe #16DaysOfActivism #EndDomesticAbuse #SupportSurvivors #DomesticAbuseAwareness #HopeAfterAbuse #NoExcuse

🌟 Day 8 of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence 🌟 Today, we’re sharing the powerful words of one of our brave survivors. Trauma often leaves you feeling like you’re in pieces—scattered, broken, and incomplete. But healing is a journey of discovery. Along the way, you realise that not all the pieces need to be reclaimed, some can be put back in new ways, and others may transform into something brand new. Healing is complex, and it takes time. That’s why creating a society that truly understands and supports survivors is so important. Together, we can help survivors rebuild—not as they were, but as they wish to be. Let’s commit to making that kind of world a reality. 💜 #16Days #EndGenderBasedViolence #SurvivorStories #HealingJourney #WorthFightingFor

💜 Language matters. 💜 When the media uses terminologies that protect abusers rather than victims, it subliminally sends the message that the victims are at fault. You may not even realize you're using these kinds of terms yourself! Take the step to use more victim-supportive, survivor-empowering words. Call it like it is. Small steps like these can help positively impact victims and survivors, giving them courage and strength to find healing beyond their trauma! We appreciate your willingness as Refuge for Women Chicago supporters to learn, grow, change, and challenge! 💪💜 #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth

**Monday Musings: The Power of Purple and Resilience** @highlight As we step into this new week, let’s take a moment to recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Wearing purple, the official color for this cause, symbolizes courage, survival, and the collective strength of those who have endured unimaginable hardships. It sends a powerful message: we see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Today, I want to share my mother’s profound story. She faced severe abuse at the hands of my father, a man who held esteemed roles as a pastor, bishop, and musician in our community. Despite his public persona, he inflicted horrific pain on my mother—kicking her in the stomach while she was pregnant, dragging her by her hair, and leaving her with broken bones. Her experience is a stark reminder that domestic violence can occur in any setting, even among those we look up to. Yet, through this darkness, my mom Mother Eloisa Crawley-Bonaparte found extraordinary strength. Her unwavering faith became her lifeline, guiding her through the chaos. She transformed her pain into a powerful voice for advocacy, inspiring others to seek help and reclaim their lives. Her journey exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of speaking out against abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, I urge you to seek help. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources to support you in finding safety and healing. Let’s wear our purple with purpose, honoring those who have suffered and advocating for change. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and supported. 💜 #MotivationMonday #DomesticViolenceAwareness #PowerOfPurple #Resilience #YouAreNotAlone #shepreaches #PreacHER

Surviving violence does not define one’s worth. No one should carry the burden of guilt for acts inflicted upon them. At Safe Space Initiative, we stand with every survivor of Gender-Based Violence. We believe that healing begins with letting go of guilt and embracing one’s inner strength. The responsibility lies solely with the aggressor, never with the survivor. This powerful reminder from Angelina Jolie resonates with our mission to foster a world where survivors are seen, heard, and supported without stigma. Let’s shift the narrative, let’s empower survivors to reclaim their lives, and remind them that they are not alone. To every survivor: Your story matters. Your strength is inspiring. And together, we will build a future where dignity and respect triumph over silence. #SafeSpaceInitiative #EndGBV #SurvivorEmpowerment

Day 15 of 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence In society, we often hear phrases like, "He’s a good dad; it was just her he was abusive towards." But domestic abuse, whether obviously directed at children or not, negatively affects and impacts them. This quote we have shared, written by one of the older children WORTH supports, speaks to the journey of healing after experiencing domestic abuse. At WORTH, we recognise the profound effects abuse has on children and their need for support. That’s why it’s so important for our clients and their children to have access to the resources and care they need to heal and grow—together. Let’s continue to challenge harmful narratives and work toward a world where no child has to live in the shadow of domestic abuse. #16DaysOfActivism #Day15 #EndGenderBasedViolence #SupportSurvivors #WORTHCharity

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. 💜 Let’s raise our voices to break the silence, support survivors, and advocate for change. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and respected. In honor of this important month, we’re offering a FREE lights install to give back to our community! Want to nominate yourself or someone who deserves recognition? Just follow these 3 simple steps: Step #1: Fill out this form: https://bit.ly/3zr1w9l Step #2: React and share this post! (Please DO NOT tag the person involved in domestic abuse) Step #3: Take a screenshot of your shared post, comment "Done," and attach your screenshot! Let’s shine a light on this issue and support one another! 💖✨ #EndDomesticViolence #CommunitySupport

For survivors of gender-based violence, safety is just the beginning. What many need most is to be met with empathy and understanding—a listening ear that allows them to share their story without fear of judgment or dismissal. As we mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Ubuntu Trust invites you to reflect on the power of truly listening. This simple but transformative act can offer survivors the support they need to take their first steps toward healing. Listening is more than hearing words; it’s about validating experiences, offering hope, and rebuilding trust. Let’s pledge to be present for those in need and help foster a culture of care and understanding. By listening, we can start the movement to stand with survivors—and that can change everything. #SupportSurvivors #UbuntuTrust #EndGBV

💜 **Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Supporting Survivors** 💜 This month, our staff members who work with survivors, are sharing tips for survivors and their family and friends during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. What are some practical tips for family and friends of survivors on how to provide support without overstepping boundaries? ✨ **Just listen.** ✨ **Provide consistent support.** ✨ **Help when needed, but let them drive the bus on their own healing.** Survivors often leave a domestic violence relationship an average of 7 times before leaving for good. This can be tough for loved ones, but remember: the survivor is the expert on their own life. They need support, not someone telling them what’s best for them. If you can, share information about local DV agencies, but understand they might not be ready to reach out just yet. — Lauren Weigand, MHC (she/her), Clinician – Family Success Center This year’s theme for **#DVAM** is **#HealHoldCenter**. Together, we can center healing and racial justice for survivors this October and beyond. 💬 **We’re here to support you.** 💬 📞 **Contact Us:** (716) 877-6763 🌐 **Visit Our Website:** envisionwellnesswny.com #SupportSurvivors #CommunityAwareness #TakeAction #EnvisionWellness

The responses to yesterday's video on domestic violence have been overwhelming, and it’s clear that this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore any longer. Domestic violence is ripping through our families, communities, and lives—it's a menace that knows no boundaries, sparing neither the uneducated nor the highly educated. This issue goes far beyond intellect or social standing. Deep-rooted perceptions need to be challenged, and harmful patterns need to be shattered. The conversation has to be loud, relentless, and unflinching. Perpetrators must face justice so that we can finally break this cycle of violence that grips so many. We cannot continue down this path. For a future free of violence, we need to wipe the slate clean and start with genuine change. But it begins with each of us—right here, right now. Ask yourself: What are you doing within your own home, within your family? How are you raising your sons and daughters to understand respect, compassion, and accountability? What are the messages in our schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods? Are we actively supporting survivors, or is our silence quietly complicit? This is a call for every one of us to step forward. Let’s take responsibility within our own circles, empower victims, and stop looking away. Every voice matters, and together, we can make a difference. © Amarachi Eze #EndDomesticViolenceNow #painintopurpose #domesticviolence #womanadvocate #childadvocate