#dvam2019

#DVAM2019 - In The Brooklyn Public Library tonight- such powerful words from survivors telling us lived experience using poetry, piano-Beethoven, testimony. I’m so grateful when I am giving the privilege to stand witness. When women relate their stories, hear them, believe them. When survivors of all genders relate their stories, hear them, believe them.

Today the media has been buzzing about forgiveness and religion. When you find yourself asking: “Why doesn’t she leave?” Say out loud: Forgiveness. Religion. — Misplaced concepts are hurting and killing mothers. Right now as I listen to a survivor play the piano, and hear that her access to art was limited by someone else. The same thing was said by poet who has written over 1000 poems since leaving abuse. Is a misplaced concept of forgiveness worth this? Our society left without creativity, art, talent, community, support, mothers, parents and children? - When you speak about forgiveness...really question what you are talking about.

Survivors have stayed in abusive relationships thinking they had to forgive-and we all have a role creating that and sustaining that in one way or another.

#survivorspeaks

#DVAM