Just the other day I was speaking with a woman who once worked the hotline for a domestic violence center here in Seattle.  She said many times the local police would become disheartened with victims who have repeatedly called the police, but then don't press charges or leave......why is that?

I told her one of the biggest reasons is fear.  Fear of a new life, fear of her abuser and what he can do to her and/or her children, fear of herself.  It is paralyzing, I know it.  Police came to my door after a neighbor saw my now ex throw me across our garage.  The garage door was open and she saw it.  When the police came, I stood there at the door shaking, fighting the tears and my ex was a few feet behind me talking calmly, “tell them everything is fine and close the door.”  They couldn’t do anything unless I admitted it and asked for help.  My ex also threatened to kill me if I said anything. 

I share this story in my book and it breaks my heart when I hear women not leaving or going right back to their abuser.  But it is because she is afraid.  Her self esteem has been smashed down so much; she doesn’t know what she can do to rebuild her life.  Sometimes pride is in the way of going to a shelter.  She has responsibilities of a job, or she’s afraid to take the children away from their father. Only she will know. 

But if you find yourself encountered with someone you clearly know is being abused, don’t turn the other way.  Offer support, encouragement; ideas that can help her reclaim her life.  The National Domestic Abuse Hotline is only a phone call away at 1-800-799-SAFE. 

Please remember, it takes time for her to even understand or realize she is being abused.  When I was being beaten, I thought it was my fault, but it was not.  NO ONE should treat another human that way.  There is NO reason for it. 

So now, with my little blue book of hope, “Escaping The Glass Cage: A Story of Survival & Empowerment from Domestic Violence” has become my mission to shed some light from the victims point of view.  Along with Project Empowerment, I'm diligently working to raise awareness and empowerment on Domestic Violence issues, including climbing Mt. Rainier in 2011 "Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence & Abuse......One Step At A Time".

My hope is that Climb For Empowerment will not only bring awareness to others, but also strength.  If I can come from severe abuse and rebuild a new life, swim with sharks, raise two boys and climb a mountain......they too can take that step and learn to live again.

May these words help you understand a little on what goes on in Domestic Violence and only through empowerment and education can we work together to build a peaceful world.

~Kathleen M. Schmidt

www.kathleenmschmidt.com

www.climbforempowerment.com