10/10/2025
Today we want to feature a valuable resource, written by a NWFL community volunteer and partner, Shawn Richard-Davis . On her recent blog, https://dreamin4freedom.com/, she shares:
"I wrote my book, “Setting Aside Silence (One Word at a Time) https://a.co/d/ibzistH to make it easier to discuss this hard topic. My book can serve as a handbook, guide, journal, or devotional to those who have been affected by domestic violence.
“Setting Aside Silence” boldly defines and explains words relating to domestic violence from the perspective of a victim/survivor. It will help survivors and loved ones understand the meaning of words like “power and control”, “manipulation”, and “isolation”. The book allows each person to read at their own pace, and contemplate how the words relate to their individual experience. “Setting Aside Silence” puts the blame or responsibility of violence squarely on the shoulders of the abuser. Victims should never be blamed for being abused."
She writes, "Statistics indicate 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. That means we ALL know someone who has been or is being affected right now. The victims of violence are our sisters, mothers, friends and loved ones. They are all races, cultures, religions, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds. Yet, domestic violence remains a topic people are afraid to talk about. Fear, embarrassment, and shame keep many victims from speaking up. In some households, people have been taught, “What happens in this house, stays in this house”. This tradition of silence allows domestic violence to continue unchecked, leaving women and children vulnerable and unsafe."
