Don’t Go Back
Thursday evening we did a screening at the ASU Polytechnic campus. This again was in conjunction CAAFAAZ. This small group that attended was great.
In attendance were several ladies from the shelter the aforementioned organization serves. I understood how difficult it was to be there for them and that most likely they really didn’t want to be there in the first place.
Prior to the evening beginning, one of the young ladies while we were outside waiting asked me if the woman who had been in prison was really going to be present. I told her that yes, the woman who had been in prison would be there to speak later.
After screening SIN BY SILENCE, I got up to speak and looked at the women I knew were from the shelter. I smiled as I passed the one woman who had asked me the question earlier.
I began to share my personal story of abuse and ultimate triumph and could see they were all sitting there with tears streaming down their faces.
It was important that I empower these women in knowing they made the right choice when they left their abusive situations and went to the shelter where they are currently. That I realize it is a daily struggle to not return to their abuser.
The most rewarding part of the evening was to have each one approach me separately and tell me that they now feel empowered that they made the choice to leave and they will not return. This is why I want to speak.
Being able to see the difference this week, in the events I have been able to be a part of and the lives I have no question have been touched by our being here, is what truly matters most to me.
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