For the Women Who Never Made It Out: We Say Your Name

I was recently moved by a local story of domestic violence right here in St. Louis and on Mother’s Day of all days. As someone whose life’s work is centered on helping women heal, take back their power, and navigate the path of becoming, I feel called to speak out.

Domestic violence is not a rare occurrence. It is a public health crisis that affects millions of women physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Far too often, we hear the same devastating pattern a woman is harmed by her abuser, and that abuser is released only to harm again. The cycle continues, and the system remains complicit in allowing it.

For those on the outside, it's easy to say, "Why didn’t she leave?" or "Just co-parent for the sake of the children." But the truth is co-parenting is not always safe. In cases of abuse, expecting a survivor to share parenting responsibilities with someone who has violated their safety can be a continuation of that abuse. When your life and your children’s well-being are on the line, protection must come before partnership.

This work is not just about therapy. It's about advocacy. It's about making sure women know they are not alone, that their experiences are valid, and that safety is not negotiable. It’s about understanding that you don’t have to keep peace with someone who brought chaos into your life.

To any woman reading this who is quietly surviving or questioning her worth in the aftermath of violence: you are not invisible. Your story matters. And there are people—like me who are here to help you break free SAFELY.

Why This Story Matters for Every Survivor

Because this happens every day.

Because domestic violence doesn’t always end when the relationship does.

Because abusers often come back, wearing masks of love, redemption, or fatherhood.

Because survivors are too often told to forgive, to co-parent, to be “civil” while their safety is still in question.

Because we need to teach women that leaving isn’t the end of the danger—but staying silent about what they’ve endured can be even more deadly.

To Every Woman Reading This Who Has Survived or Is Still in It:

You are not alone.
Your story matters—even the parts you don’t tell anyone.
You deserve safety.
You deserve to be celebrated.
You deserve to be alive.

If you are feeling torn between “what’s right” and what feels safe, please lean into what feels safe.

If someone has hurt you and still claims to love you—please believe that real love does not destroy you.

You don’t owe anyone access to your peace, your body, your child, or your life.

To Our Communities:

We cannot keep failing women.