Writing Sample: Speech

Freedom for Survivors of Domestic Violence


As warriors in the war against domestic violence we have all been privy to stories of survivors. Stories that have driven every social worker, court advocate, shelter worker, and call center volunteer present tonight to fight harder for victims of intimate partner abuse. Stories like that of the Chelsea, Massachusetts woman who was unable to complete college courses because her abusive husband controlled her time and her access to transportation and money. Or the Yemeni-American woman from Chicago who was beaten by her husband during three pregnancies, but was encouraged to be “obedient” by her father. And the military wife from Texas who was choked by her husband, an Iraq War Veteran, on Christmas day.


These women all suffered from on-going abuse. Each of them lacked significant education and were rendered financially dependent by their situations. Equipping survivors of domestic violence with educational opportunities and sources of funding helps them to gain the independence that will lead to the end of their abusive relationships.


According to the Interfaith Domestic Violence Coalition, one in four women will become a victim of domestic violence. Women with deficiencies in education and limited financial resources are more vulnerable to abuse. As advocates of survivors, we are charged with providing tools that will enable victims to start new lives without falling into abusive relationships ever again. Education and financial independence can end the cycle of domestic violence.



Read the entire speech: Freedom for Survivors of Domestic Violence