My Speech At The Candle Light
Vigil
For Survivors Of Domestic Violence
"Hello and thank you for coming here tonight. I am a
survivor of abuse. I was not only abused by a previous partner,
but also by our legal system, and people within my community.
There were more people involved for the excitement rather, than
the decency to help. My abuser stalked my son and I, for over
a year, and his ONLY punishment was his legal fees. Our legal
system protected my abuser, not me, the victim.
As tenaciously as I fought to win my battle against the injustice
done to me, I lost. (legally) I can now accept that I lost, but
I know it wasn't because I didn't try. I realized that changes
will come in time. The changes will only come through a lot of
willpower and strength from many people working together. This
event here tonight will help us come a little closer to winning
this war against abuse. We need to channel our fear into anger,
and fight this battle to WIN! We need to know our rights, and
fight for them! We must utilize the laws we have, and fight to
revise the laws that DON'T protect us! Throughout my battle I
learned a lot about myself and how to read others. Most important,
I learned to respect myself! I am finally standing up for myself!
I do not deserve to be abused, and I do not have to accept it!
The same goes for all of us. I have found happiness within myself
and no one can ever take that away. And that I believe, will
protect me from anyone ever trying to abuse me again. When we
love and respect ourselves, we will demand respect from others.
We will surround ourselves with people that are good for us,
rather than people that physically and mentally tear us down.
And I believe that abusers will less likely choose us, when are
are armed with self respect and confidence."
I
have survived by....
The unconditional love, and support I received from my son.
I
have survived by....
The support I received from my sister Karen, my best friend,
and the H.E.R. Shelter women.
I
have survived by....
Being angry enough to stand up and fight,and not let my fear
keep me down.
I
have survived by....
Believing in myself, and that I deserve to be treated well,
because I am a good person.
I
have survived by....
Appreciating the positive things in my life from day to day.
And
last but not least....
I survived by always being able to keep my laughter."
By Cherri