This website began in July of 1998 as a place for support to women and men who were survivors of domestic violence. Since this time, there have been changes and updates to keep this place fresh and unique. Now it is being split into two different dimensions, one for Survivors and one for Students, Professionals, and Para-professionals. This is in response to the site visitors who have stopped by over the years from either direction and to further our knowledge of this issue.
To distinguish between Victim and Survivor this author notes the following:
Victim ? Someone who is in the middle of a tragedy and does not know which way to turn. This can be a person who is still with an abuser or someone who is out but still not sure if they should stay away. The victim is caught up in an emotional turmoil AND paralyzed with fear, is unable or uncertain about their choices. This emotional turmoil can be mental health issues with an onset either pre-perpetrator, during and/or post-abuser. It can also include chemical dependency (thus dual diagnosis), financial insecurity, and the welfare of their children. If you are a victim of Domestic Violence and need help please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline or call toll free (24 hours) 1-800-799-7233.
Survivor ? Someone who has made a clear and conscious choice that has taken them past their circumstance of tragedy. This person is no longer concerned with whether to stay or go as they have been able to see past their current situation and recognize there is hope for a better life. The survivor is a state of consciousness that not all victims will be able to attain, yet it is always possible. On our message board, we have been successful in helping victims move past this stage and achieve the status of survivor. This is why we distinguish between the two, to give the victim a status to look forward to, something to accomplish.
Support - It is important that you have support in the process of being a survivor. This could involve a Counselor/Therapist, Battered Women's Shelter, a case worker and/or a Spiritual Practitioner. It is important that you don't go at this alone. But then a survivor would not, because this is how you become a survivor.
Domestic Violence is not prejudiced nor are the roles irreversible. Men and women can be batterers just as both sexes can be victims and ultimately survivors. Violence is found in all races, religions, and cultures, as well as sexual preference. This site does not generalize and all peoples are welcome regardless of background, as long as you are not the batterer.
Thank you for visiting this site. Make sure to bookmark us and visit our message board from time to time.
Mail questions or comments to ladyjatbay@sbcglobal.net
Website created July 1998
New Counter added 3/15/03
FastCounter by bCentral
 The Women Directory |
