Words Hurt

written by Dr. Camelia Staughn

As October unfolds, it carries a heavy significance in my heart. It's not only the month dedicated to Domestic Violence Awareness but also the anniversary month of my mother's passing. This alignment feels incredibly apropos, as the emotions of weariness and melancholy wash over me.

I want to share a more personal layer of my journey with you all. I am not only an advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, but I am also a survivor myself. My path has been marked by the struggles I faced, not only in my own healing but also in my relationship with my mother.

My mother was a survivor of domestic violence in her own right. We had our own share of challenges, and it took me a long time to reach a place of forgiveness and understanding. I had to recognize that she did the best that she could with the information and knowledge she had at the time. Healing meant acknowledging our shared pain and finding compassion for her as well as myself.

It is in her honor and memory that I carry on this vital work. Her strength and resilience inspire me daily, and my own journey as a survivor fuels my commitment to ensuring that the voices of survivors, both men and women, are seen and heard.

Let this month be a reminder that you are not alone, and your experiences matter. We are here to listen, support, and empower each other. Together, we can create safer spaces and brighter futures.

With love, kindness, and unwavering compassion,
Dr. Camellia Straughn

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