I am a survivor of domestic violence (DV). My ex physically, emotionally, sexually, and financially abused me for the 16 months we were together and some time after. When I left him and was safe, I almost drowned in the flood of PTSD symptoms. The hard truth is that more than half of us who survive DV will attempt suicide multiple times, and I spent 9 months with suicidal ideation. My paintings capture the psychological experiences I felt while healing. My photography captures the physical wounds I suffered that you can no longer see. I no longer have all the symptoms of PTSD, instead I have been experiencing something called post-traumatic growth or PTG. I am happy like I was before I met him, I have made meaning out of my experience, I feel gratitude to be alive, and my relationship with God and others has been deepened.

Message of Hope: I believe you. Suffering ends. God has not forgotten you. You deserve to be respected, safe, deeply loved, and cared for. There is another life waiting for you full of love, peace, joy, transformation, and adventure!