I am a survivor of over two decades of domestic violence. It wasn't always physically violent. There were other forms of abuse as well - verbal, emotional, financial, and spiritual. There were years of coercion and manipulation and harassment. I endured things I cannot elaborate on here. For much of that time I didn't really know what I was living with, but that didn't make it any less real. What was it that finally got my attention and opened my eyes to the abuse I was living with?  It was a mailing from my local family violence shelter with a brochure about domestic violence. That brochure very possibly saved my life because it provided language for what I was living with. It was also a friend who gave me a book about abuse that provided additional clarity. She knew what I was living with because she lived it too.

 

That first year after escaping the abuse was all about trying to stay safe from continued stalking and harassment. Then it dawned on me that I could go back to school because no one was telling me I couldn't. After all I had experienced, I believed there was a call on my life to advocate for victims and survivors of domestic violence, but I believed I needed the education to support such a calling. After first finishing my bachelor's degree (he had made me drop out of college at the age of 21), I was accepted into a dual-master's program at Baylor University. Balancing four years of full-time grad school with single parenting was quite a challenge! I am grateful for the people who believed in me. I managed to graduate with honors along with my Master of Divinity and Master of Social Work degrees, a Spiritual Direction Certification, and ordination through my church. I also served on the board of directors for the same shelter I received that first helpful brochure from! I loved being in school so much that I went on to complete my PhD in Social Work, focusing my research on domestic violence and the church.

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Some of the most rewarding times I have spent in the last few years are with other survivors of abuse. Their strength is admirable. Their dedication to their children is inspiring. Their ability to navigate life beyond the abuse shows just how strong they are. Life after abuse is not necessarily easy. Resilience doesn't always come naturally. Having a support system is vital to recovering well. Helping survivors discover their own resilience and recover well is part of my passion. Providing education and awareness is a lot of what I do now.

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Advocating for survivors of domestic violence includes educating people about abuse. Education leads to awareness. With improved awareness, those who are still in abusive relationships are empowered to make decisions to protect themselves and their children. We can encourage communities to support survivors. And we can help break cycles of violence. Faith communities, in particular, are an essential element in the work to fight domestic violence. If educated about abuse, clergy and congregations can be part of the support network that makes a difference in the lives of survivors. Speaking about domestic violence and providing that education is also part of my passion.

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Hope Rise Thrive was born from the desire to support those who have experienced abuse and educate everyone else.

If you are a fellow survivor, welcome!

If you are someone who loves a survivor, I'm glad you're here!
If you want to increase your awareness about abuse and advocate for survivors, thank you for visiting!

 

I am available to speak and provide domestic violence training, both in person and virtually. Use the form on the Contact Page if you would like to talk more about that. This website and the same-name Facebook/Insta pages are about advocacy and awareness. To get a closer view of my ministry, writing, and research, visit and follow the Hope Rise Thrive Facebook page here.

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Let me know how I can help. Bless you. 

 

~Gen