#icadv

Hello! I'm Melinda. In 2009, I was married for 17 years and a Mother of three. A Sunday school leader, Cub/Girl Scout leader, on the PTA, a state coordinator/President of a Mom's group. I ran home businesses. And I was living in silence about the abuse in our house. The bruises didn't show. I wore long sleeves and pants to hide the marks. Turtlenecks to hide the handprints on my neck. Or I just wouldn't leave the house until they faded. There's more but you get the picture. At the beginning of 2009, the abuse was accelerating and I was unsure if we would live to see the end of the year. If you are trapped in abusive situation please know there can be a safe end. Before it's late! If you need to talk or information on what to do next DM me. I am happy to listen. I have walked in your shoes and understand the load that is weighing you down. That was my past. I'm free. Wherever you are please stay safe. I know you are scared! Call the police or local shelter. Confide to a close trusting friend. Reach out to www.thehotline.org. I love you! BIG HUGS, Mel #icandoallthingsthroughchrist #isurvived #icaniwill #ncadv #icadv #domesticviolence #domesticabuse #survivor #domesticviolencespeaker #publicspeaker #speakout #continuetospeak #breakthesilence #domesticviolenceawareness #callmemaster #author

I was in a sexual and interpersonal violence prevention training today where our team was asked to plan for a community park with a handicapped person, trams person, older veteran, and high school track coach in mind. We came up with a meditation garden, wheel-chair accessible slide and playground ramp, gender inclusive bathrooms with showers, buddy benches, adult times for the park, and even a flat surface for the ground around the playground so it can be used by folks in wheelchairs.