National Advocacy & Training Network

Yes, I think that survivors being involved is an integral part to change and improvement because of personal of experience. That does not mean that one must have been a victim of abuse to be part of the movement against abuse, but it helps to learn from someone who has been there.

I totally agree as well. I believe that if victims were more involved there might actually more that would get done, nationally and legally. Everyone wants to closes thier eyes and think that it could not happen to them or someone in thier families. I think if victims were involved people would see that it truely can and does happen to anyone!! I think it would help get rid of some of the steriotypes there are about "victims of DV" . I know there is this huge struggle now of what we call these ladies, victims, survivors, clients, etc. I am here to say that I was a victim and am now a survivor I am no one client!! I think victims would relate more and be more open about some of the things that have happened if they felt the advocate knew where they were coming from. No one can truely understand what we have been through unless you have been there yourself. (Just my opinion) These ladies are strong individuals that have lived in battles zones and are still alive to talk about it. We NEED them in the movement and if we are truely out to change how the world looks and DV and have it not be acceptable then we MUST have these women and thier voices involved in this movement.