Domestic Violence Advocacy and Healing Justice

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In 2014, I began partnering with the Marion County Domestic Violence Task Force as a means to process my personal experience with domestic violence. Inspired by the work I was contributing to, I created a social impact initiative, Victory over Domestic Violence.  

I wanted to contribute to something bigger than myself. I wanted to share my story in hopes that it might inspire others to become involved in domestic violence advocacy. Creating Victory over Domestic Violence has allowed me to develop connections and partnerships and increase awareness and resources beyond Marion County and throughout the state of Alabama and the United States.  

Victory over Domestic Violence's mission is to bring awareness to the violence, but also to the success stories of those who have overcome the violence. Victory over Domestic Violence focuses on advocating for survivor-centered policies, empowering victims of abuse, and educating the public. 

I began Victory over Domestic Violence seven years ago by developing an advocacy plan to increase reach and exposure. Drawing from my experiences with domestic violence, I cultivated VoDV with key phases in mind: Federal, State, and Local Legislative Advocacy, DV Awareness Partnerships, Campus-Centered Initiatives, Supply Drive Partnerships, Online Presence and Digital Advocacy, and Fundraisers. 

I recognized the importance of bringing attention to domestic violence shelters and organizations and their services because my family knew little about these life-saving resources. 

As an advocate, I work with domestic violence shelters, organizations, and legislators, to promote anti-domestic violence programs and laws. 

I also partner with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence to meet with legislators to discuss specific laws and their impact on survivors of abuse. I have cold-called, written letters, and sent emails to lawmakers discussing legislation, such as the Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA).

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recognized Victory over Domestic Violence and proclaimed October 1, 2023 as VoDV Day statewide. I also partner with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence to meet with legislators to discuss specific laws and their impact on survivors of abuse.

Victory over Domestic Violence focuses on prioritizing victims’ needs and empowering survivors. Victims of abuse often have to flee their relationships with little to no resources; therefore, I launched the VoDV resource bag project to provide tangible supplies for survivors. This initiative raises funds to purchase bags containing personal care items and collaborates with community stakeholders to house them at pick-up locations. 

I have partnered with every college campus and the Alabama Community College System to implement these bags on all 37 four-year institutions and 25 community college campuses. There are currently 87 pick-up locations across Alabama.  

I promote community investment, increase social media involvement, and broadcast shelter and VoDV needs through my social media accounts. 

 I am a translator in Safeplace Inc.’s “Strive to Thrive” book club, and through this avenue, I developed a six-week ESL course, “Driving to Independence,” designed to help Spanish-speaking survivors overcome language barriers and navigate the DMV.

 I also facilitate supply drives with businesses, outreach groups, and school systems to help stock shelters and transition homes.

A key component of my initiative is education, and I implement this focus by speaking to a wide range of audiences. I have spoken to  elementary, middle, and high school students, along with youth activist groups,  service organizations, and businesses. 

I have been a guest on multiple national podcasts, including the Mark White show, which airs to over 350,000 listeners in over 90 cities across the country, and I am a Survivor podcast, which has a global audience. I have been a guest on Talk of Alabama. Using social media, I create educational content and challenge users to participate in digital fundraisers and awareness tasks, such as posting facts about DV. 

For more information about VoDV, please see victoryoverdomesticviolence.org.