I am here to show you the changed face of domestic violence – the face that cried, the face that saw the death of a loved one; the face that sees the same pain in others;

I am here to show you the other side of domestic violence – the side of healing, contentment, enormous inner strength, empowerment and confidence; the side that stands for something, instead of hiding from everything;

I am here so you can hear the voice of a survivor – the voice that motivates, inspires, and encourages; the voice that no longer uses the word “victim”; the voice that speaks for those who are fearful, the voice for those who have lost their lives because there was no one to protect them; and to keep a promise I made at my daughter’s grave over 20 years ago – that her death would not be in vain.

Ivette Attaud