How do you break the chains of an abusive relationship?
Domestic violence affects two to four million people in the United States including teenagers and 54% of parents admit they haven't spoken to their teens about dating violence or healthy relationships.
My Life, My Soul – Surviving, Healing and Thriving After An Abusive Relationship, is an honest and graphic true story of Ivette Attaud, a former Fort Bragg army wife and a survivor of domestic violence for over twenty years. She not only describes how a teen dating relationship spirals into a destructive, violence and abusive marriage, but how she was able to break the emotional and psychological chains of her abuser.
Ivette recounts vivid memories of growing up as a Jehovah's Witness; her experience with dating violence; her battle with depression; a suicide attempt; the loss of her infant twin daughter to a domestic violence assault while living on Fort Bragg and re-victimization by the New York family court system, including actual documents!
In the first part of this three-part series, Ivette lays bare the life-long difficulties survivors face and provides:
- Inspiration for those currently in or who have left an abusive relationship;
Insight for friends and family members who want to help their loved ones;
- Helpful information for the parent who wants to understand the red flags of teen dating violence;
- Comfort to the parent who has lost a child; and
- A new level of awareness for any professional who works with those who have experienced domestic violence and abuse.