Tim and I volunteer with an organization called The Pixel Project. It’s a global, online non-profit that is working hard to eradicate violence against women. We do what we can, when we can by volunteering our writing, editing, blogging, and PR skills. We do it because I was in a marriage of domestic violence. I was sleeping with fear, hate, and injustice.
I was physically, financially, and emotionally abused until about eight years ago when I left when my son was 5 and my daughter 1. My son is also a survivor of his mother’s domestic abuse and overall horrible relationship conditions. He’s now an eternal advocate (he’s grown to age 12) of women’s rights. He champions women as being leaders and role model and treasures them. I hope that continues as he ages, but I’m pretty sure it will. It’s all about breaking the cycle and educating the next generation of girls AND boys. So, my children are bathed in “purple.”
It’s been a very long battle for me. I am still living with the repercussions of this life, far more than anyone knows or a I dare to write yet. I am anxious, paranoid, untrusting, have panic attacks and I’ve had many, many health problems stemming from it. I have chronic pain and fatigue, fibromyalgia, and stress-induced sickness. Over the last 2 years, I’ve finally been able to find enough peace to begin to be well again. Through all this I started to become very accomplished at work, but I couldn’t continue at the level I was, with a fast-paced, stressful job. I wasn’t healed enough to continue and since leaving my job over 2 years ago, I’ve also had to cut down my hours at home freelancing and with volunteer organizations. I’ve put my energy into healing and into my children.
Domestic violence can rip you apart inside and you have to fight to ever be the same, but with my children’s help and the love of my boyfriend of 7 years (whose been the best husband I’ve ever had) I’ve learned how it feels to have someone love you unconditionally. Due to domestic violence, I struggle with ever marrying again, though Tim and I and the kids are a family and we live as husband and wife. The level of fear that consumes you from being imprisoned in the hell of domestic violence is something that many people cannot being to understand, but once you remove yourself from the situation (and thank the Lord for those that get to escape, instead of being murdered or who stay and endure) you have to almost learn who you are again. It isn’t easy. You’ve lost your family and your friends and you have to try to rebuild your credit, your health, your self-esteem. You have to shed that shell of yourself and be reborn in love.
It’s hard to speak out because people judge you and don’t understand, but now is the time for me to speak up. If you’re in an abusive relationship, it’s time for you to get assistance. If you are in a healthy relationship, support me and all women and speak-up about women’s rights. Now is the time to help us spread the word about this cause, to stop violence against women and make this world a better place.
If you have a moment, please visit: http://paintitpurple.thepixelproject.net to learn about the “Paint It Purple” campaign, which helps to spread the word and create awareness across the Internet, of violence against women and humanity. And uses a lot of purple to do it. 
Throughout the rest of the year, follow The Pixel Project and see how you can help. There are many campaigns and fund-raisers, educational and informative news, and volunteer opportunities.
Go to http://thepixelproject.net, follow them on Twitter and Facebook, and read the awesome blogs!
My family and I are SPEAKING OUT and spreading the word. I hope you’ll join us, it would mean so much.
Peace to all and this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for a new start, for an amazing partner in Tim, and for the blessing of my three beautiful children who have endured so much and become the most precious little people I’ve ever met.
Erin and family
Tags: abuse against women, Domestic violence, domestic violence survivor, Facebook, Paint It Purple, Psychological abuse, The Pixel Project, twitter, Violence against women, Violence and Abuse, volunteerism, Women
