praise for this board
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| Thu, 09-22-2005 - 11:43pm |
It's been at least 4 years since I have been to this board. But when I was here, this was the only real lifeline I had in helping me understand, comprehend and finally get out of a domestic violence relationship. I have been free of that relationship and I have finally gotten my life back. I am in school to get my BA degree in human services and I am currently in training to work in a domestic violence shelter...which is what prompted me to post this message.
I was sharing with the volunteer coordinator what were some key things that helped me get out of my dv riddled relationship, and I honestly had to say that this board was one of the strongest influences in helping me see dv for what it was and for helping me to get away. Haveing no family (well, my kids, but they arn't the ones to turn to for this stuff!) and very, very few friends left me with not much support and virtually no one to turn to. Thank God I found this site during that time and thank God for the people who helped me. The coordinator hadn't ever heard of anyone who utilized a message board as a primary means of support and education, but I told her that these gals became my friends becuase I had no one else. Sure I called the dv line on occasion, but it was "chatting" here that got me through and helped me see the light so to speak
I wish I could remember all the names of those who reached out, but only one comes to mind and that is jeep girl (pretty sure that's what she went by)and of course the moderators, whose names I can't see while typing this!
Anyway, suffice it to say, telling the coordinator brought back memories of posting, reading and growing.
I just may hang around again, especially now that I am going to become more activly involved in the shelter. Ending dv has become a passion and I am comitted to doing what can to help others along the way
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hold all of you close to my heart!

Thank you for the kind words my friend :-)
I too remember our Jeepster, I was here as well when she was a CL.
Hi Duster,
This site has been a lifesaver for me as well. Although it's been nine months since I broke up with my ex, I still come here nearly every day so that I don't slip back into unhealthy thinking & habits. I'm hoping that eventually I won't feel the need to check in so much, but until I do, I'm very glad that these wonderful people are here to help.
I also feel a need to give back, to help by sharing my own experiences. I hope that together we can spread the truth about abuse and help women regain control over their lives and to finally learn to love & respect their own selves.
Hi duster...it's great to see you and hear about your future plans. This board helped me in the same ways, and the education I got here was invaluable, especially cl duties, and I now work for my local DV program doing grant writing, overseeing the fundraising, and public relations. I don't spend too much time at the shelter itself, as I work in the administration building, but our shelter is brand new and very, very nice. I love what we do and it does make such a difference in my area. Especially exciting to me is working with the mayors and police chiefs, 12 of each in my area, plus the sheriff's department, other county officials, and the media. Most of them "get it" and are very supportive of our efforts, so it's been a pretty great experience for me. Also, I handle the public speaking for church and civic groups and special events, and use it to my advantage to educate people on what DV is and how they can help. I think you'll enjoy working in this field, it's so rewarding, though your duties will probably be more stressful than mine are as you'll probably be working directly with the clients, and I have limited contact with them, although I am trained for the crisis line and shelter intake in case I ever have to pick up those duties in an emergency. The stress I deal with, besides a full schedule, is just a slight fear of reprisal from being the public face of the agency, I'm on TV and in the newspaper frequently, and a lot of people know our administration office address, but we're all trained in hostage taking and other possibilities, and I keep my personal information very private. I'm so happy that you will be joining this effort as every area in this country needs experienced people who understand what it's all about.
The cl's that you probably remember from the board when you were here would have been cl-mizlizzy and cl-mindspeak. Jeepgirl is remarried to a wonderful guy and living in a different city than her ex-abuser, and she's happy.