Jessica Aiken-Hall

Unleashing Secrets

Hope

It’s Time You Tell Your Story

Growing up, the one consistent thing I heard was that I could not share what happened at home. The old saying “what happens at home stays at home” became my motto. I spent countless hours with guidance counselors trying to pry my story out of me, but my grip onto my secrets was one even I didn’t understand.
“If you tell, you’ll go to jail.”
“If you tell, I’ll go to jail, and who’s going to take care of you then?”
“If you tell, they’ll put you in a home. Only crazy kids do the things you do.”
“Good girls don’t do those things. You know you were asking for it.”

The list of threats was endless. But it taught me one thing: keep your story close and don’t let anyone know anything.

These words haunted me. Like Maya Angelou said, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

Everything in my life seemed to follow the same path. I found myself in more situations where I had more secrets to hold.

Raped at 15.
My first abusive relationship at 16.
A romantic relationship with a man 25 years older than me at 19.
My second abusive relationship that nearly cost me my life.

Secret after secret, the load became too heavy to hold.

Until one day, I let it out. There was no other choice, really. It was tell my story or die hanging onto the secrets that had already almost killed me.

The words fell out of my grasp and onto the paper. As I wrote, more memories came. More secrets I had clung to came to the surface. The more I shared, the more relief I felt. I didn’t have to hold onto the pain any longer.

I was free. Free from the prison I was forced into as a child. Free from the prison of my own mind as the secrets followed me into adulthood. Free.

Secrets are toxic. It’s hard to understand until you’re so far in. You take a sip of poison. And then another. Until you no longer know who you are.
Little by little, the you you once knew is gone. Buried so deep under the hurt and pain you become unrecognizable.
With each word, I wrote a piece of the past came off of me. It took time and patience and pain, but little by little, I could see me.

Who was I? It had been so long since I had heard my voice. It shook a little, and I wanted to hide as soon as I released them. What had I done?
Regret lingered as the world as I knew it changed. Little by little, fear turned to power.
My voice, although quiet, packs a powerful punch.
I will say what I need to and not think twice.
There is freedom in that. A freedom that will never be stolen from me again.
My goal is to help others who have been where I was get to where I am.
You are stronger than your secrets.
There is no shame in what happened to you.
There is someone somewhere who needs to hear your story. Someone who needs to know they are not alone. Someone who needs to feel like they belong.
That someone might even be you.

 

Are you ready to let go of your secrets?

 

Let Reclaim Your Power help you get started!!

 

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Walk For Justice

Umbrella is the local Domestic Violence Advocacy Program, it is where my mom went for help with at least two of her partners in my lifetime, and where I went for two of my abusive relationships.

The thing about domestic violence, is that it can run in the family. The cycle of abuse is passed down the family lines, and for many, it becomes their normal. Places like Umbrella help break that cycle. They offer resources and support to help end the domestic violence. And, they do it without judgement.

The first time my mom took my brother and I to Umbrella, was when my dad threatened to kill us. It wasn’t when he left us in bloody bruises. It wasn’t when he forced sex on her. It wasn’t when he threw a television set at my then 11 year old brother, who had just lost his father. It wasn’t when he would snap his belt off and take the metal buckle to our bare bottoms. It wasn’t when his rage filled the house with screams, and swears, and terror. It was when he had a gun, and had a plan.

The advocates at Umbrella did not turn us away because my mom didn’t leave sooner. They didn’t turn us away because it was too scary. They gave us support, and connected us with the proper resources.

Seventeen years later, I raced to Umbrella, where my mom and sister were filling out a restraining order on my mom’s then husband. My sister had just disclosed her father had been sexually abusing her for the past seven years. That was what made my mom seek help. It wasn’t when I disclosed the sexual abuse that happened to me. It wasn’t when he called her worthless, fat or ugly. It wasn’t when he physically assaulted me. It wasn’t when he kicked our sweet, aging golden retriever. It was when the fear overpowered her. It was when the police arrested him at his work. Umbrella didn’t turn her away because he had done it to her other daughter. They didn’t make her feel bad for the times she didn’t walk away. They gave her and my sister a safe place, and helped them through the hard days.

When I was 19 and my ex-boyfriend who bought a gun just to kill me with if I left him started stalking me, they opened their doors to me. I couldn’t tell my family what was happening, because even with the history, they wouldn’t have supported me. The advocates at Umbrella were who I knew I could talk to, and be guided in the safe direction.

When my now ex-husband was arrested for chocking me, Umbrella advocates took my panicked call when I found out he was released in the late hours of the night. I couldn’t meet with anyone at that time, because I didn’t have anywhere for my kids to go, so we made a plan to meet in the morning. She made sure I was safe, and asked me to make sure my doors and windows were locked, and asked me to call back if I needed to get there before the morning.

The next morning, they welcomed me, and helped me complete the paperwork for the restraining order. They didn’t judge me because it took me so long to call the police. They didn’t make me feel like a bad mom because I hadn’t left sooner. They listened and offered compassion.

Three years after this, my youngest daughter disclosed to me that her dad had been sexually abusing her. After hearing her story, my first call was to Umbrella. The advocate listened through my tears and hyperventilating. She told me she had to call DCYF, and gave me the number to call as well. I went in the next day to fill out another restraining order. They did not send me away because I dropped the last order. They understood he had bullied me into telling the court I no longer felt afraid. They didn’t judge me because I let him manipulate and continue to abuse me, and my children. They gave me a safe place to get help when my world fell apart.

Over, and over again. Mistake, after mistake, they never withheld services to me, or my mom. They understood the layers of abuse, power, and control. They offered compassion, and support when I needed it most. They did not blame me, even when I blamed myself.

Often, the advocates see people in the most traumatic times in their lives. Fearing for their safety, and even their lives. Their gentle approach, and welcoming environment helped save my mom’s life, my life, and my children’s lives.

When I was asked to lead the candlelight vigil/moment of silence at the Walk for Justice, I didn’t hesitate. I knew I wanted to offer my support, and compassion, as they had done so many times for me, my family, and the community.

Below is a copy of what I said last night at the Walk for Justice:

Just a few years ago, the thought that I would be killed by my abuser took over most everything else. The reminder came each time another beautiful soul lost their life to violence. I was pulled into their story, grieving lives I never met, because that could have been me. Our stories are powerful, and we each have one-if not ours-someone we love. I vow to use my voice for those that lost theirs-or have not yet been able to find theirs. I invite you to share yours- as little- or as much as you are comfortable-to free yourself, and help others. Let our voices be the change that breaks the cycle and bring awareness. Let us be a light in the darkness, because as long as we keep talking, and advocating, we keep the spark of awareness lit. Tonight let us remember those taken too soon from us, hold a safe space for the ones that haven’t left yet, and solidarity for the ones who have.

Photo courtesy of Amy Ash Nixon
Photo courtesy to Sara Rouelle

If you or someone you love need help, please reach out to your local domestic violence support center. Please don’t feel ashamed because you’ve been there before. Please don’t stay in an unsafe situation because you don’t think they will understand. Please go. Please ask questions. Please read pamphlets if you’re not ready to talk. They will understand. They will not turn you away. They have heard and seen so much, and they have answers and listening ears. They have compassion, and most of all, they have hope.

Resources

If you or

someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, and you are ready for help,

please reach out to a domestic violence program in your area.

Umbrella- St.

Johnsbury, VT (802) 748-8645                            

Support

Center at Burch House- Littleton (800) 774-0544

Vermont Statewide

Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 228-7395

New

Hampshire’s Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline (866) 644-3574

National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233 or go to www.thehotline.org for live chat.

#DomesticViolenceAwareness

#DomesticVilolenceAwarenessMonth

#SpeakUpSpeakOut

#YouAreNotAlone

#YouAreLoved

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Kourtenay’s Story and the TD Project

As I searched the TD Project Survivor Stories Facebook page, I knew I had to reach out to the founder. After talking with Kourtenay, I learned about what led her to start the TD project, and was moved by her desire to help others. Her story will also be shared as part of this project, because like many of us, domestic violence has touched her life. I encourage you to take a look at her Facebook page, and read the stories that have been shared. Her project covers all different types of trauma, and I am certain it will speak to you on some level.

*************************************************************************

“My story and purpose of this project .
My story didn’t begin on March 16 , 2013 , it began far before that . March 16 , 2013 was only the spiral that lead to me coming out from other traumatic events .Most don’t know my story , many will be shocked . First and foremost I am not ashamed , and I am okay . March 16 , 2013 my father was shot multiple times along with his friend by his friends ex-boyfriend , who committed suicide shortly after , her two sons escaped through a window . That’s the thing with PTSD , it likes to hide, block , disassociate. It likes to tear you down blind you with depression and anxiety. My story began when I was 4 , I was ” touched ” by a family friend . It was one time , but not the last encounter I would have . At 15 I became an alcoholic, now that doesn’t happen with reason you could say I was dealt those cards as my family history has a long record of both substance abuse and alcoholism. I began to run away , bottle my feelings , my Mother tried her best with mental health facilities and rehab , but I ran . At 16 I was jumping house to house until I met a boy , he loved me and well I loved him ” teen love ” when I found out he was sleeping with someone else and threatened to leave him , he beat me , this happened numerous times , until one day I left while he was at work . He did save me in one way, I no longer needed to drink from the time I was with him . This only led to one unhealthy relationship to another, I didn’t know what love was or what it felt like . At 18 I worked at a restaurant ( my first time waitress) .Six months in I got had gotten fired for not properly ringing out add on salads , they had threatened me with law enforcement ( I never was properly trained working the computer system ) I thought I would need a lawyer, I never had gotten fired from a job , he took care of it ( I trusted him, he asked me to go to his office to sign paperwork and talk about what was going on . I was sexually assaulted , there was no paperwork . He instead have given me a gift certificate upon leaving , that week was followed by indirect threatening calls . I didn’t say a word for 10 years . I finally told my therapist when I was seeking help for dealing with PTSD . I would come home that night crying and told my husband ( no details ) he would be the second person. Then there was quite again until the Me Too movement where I felt triggered , again I went back to therapy but a sexual assault therapist . That was this year, where I would tell my mother what happened as well . It was suggested to get a lawyer before coming out but nobody would take my case. I am not ashamed , but I am scared and that’s okay, I don’t need to come out I just need to be okay with what happened to. I felt shame and disgusted for so long until this year . After my father was shot and killed in a double murder suicide , it brought on such intense feelings I even contemplated life itself . But these last 2 years I have found myself , I picked up a camera and well taught myself everything , it’s like I have came out of the darkness , I have found me again , I have found the light .A spiritual awakening. A few months ago while I lay wide awake I came up with this idea of empowering woman , it took a few weeks to get over the am I crazy part ( Lol ) but the idea wouldn’t leave my mind at night . I wanted to spread a message empowering one another , I wanted to make a statement like ” Hey , this is me I have something to say !! ” so the ideas kept flowing and well one post led to another which led me to create a private group , and well everything else. Everyone has a path , something they are MEANT to be doing , it’s up to you to find it . This is why I am here, no shame , no embarrassment, because I’m not alone , I have a mission to do . ❤ A movement I have created and a vibration that has been felt in all 50 states .


I own K.Me Photography ( located in Warwick , Rhode Island ) and founder of TD Project . https://www.facebook.com/TDProjectSurvivorStories

I have photographed several woman in Rhode Island as well for the Rhode Island  part of the project and also the first state to start . The project has not only helped me in finding my voice but it has sent a vibration across the country as it travels to now it’s 15th state ( Wisconsin ) ! It doesn’t end with 50 states only traveling once this dress will then go to a number of different countries and I will be also adding two more dresses to travel all over again , we all have a voice and I think we all need to be heard . “

Photo Credit: Sail AwayPhotography

Thank you, Kourtenay, for sharing your story, and helping so many others share theirs. Your project is so important, I am grateful I found you, and the TD project. The world is a better place, when we take our pain and use it for good.

You are strong.

You are brave.

You are an inspiration.

#DomesticViolenceAwareness

#TDprojectTheTravelingDress

 #StoriesofSurvivors 

#TDProject50statesandbeyond

Stand Up to Domestic Violence Project

In August, I met with Jourdan Buck when she was hosting her Journey to Self Love event. It was there that I asked her if she would be willing to help spread awareness for domestic violence. Without hesitation, she said “Yes.”

At that time, I wasn’t sure what it would look like, or if there would be much interest. We set a date in September for the first of the Stand Up to Domestic Violence event. There, nine survivors came together, some traveling over an hour, to have their photo taken and share their story.

Umbrella stopped by with some information, in case the event brought past trauma to the surface. Amy Ash Nixon, from The Caledonian-Record was there as well and interviewed some of the participants and took some of her own photos.

The day was energizing, and connections were formed. When Jourdan posted the photos that she had taken, and the stories that went along with them, more people began to reach out. We set another date, to include all who wanted to be apart of this project. Others sent their stories by private message and email. Others were not ready to share, but reached out to thank the ones that did.

One October 4th, Amy asked me to call her to talk about the project. She has been running a story every Saturday, featuring a participant from the project. On that call she told me that the publisher of The Caledonian-Record, Todd Smith, wanted to print a special color insert that included the stories and photos.

This was huge. This was the chance to share our stories with thousands of people. The likelihood the paper would fall into the hands of someone that needed to see these stories skyrocketed. My heart raced at the thought. A simple idea, formed in the rain one summer day was turning into a life changing project.

The second photo shoot was scheduled for October 12th, so I said I could have the completed project submitted by Tuesday, October 15th. I spent the week leading up to the event reaching out to all of the people who had expressed an interest in sharing, but had not yet. By Sunday evening, I had 34 stories in hand, most with pictures. Jourdan worked hard getting the photos together, while I put the stories together.

Everything fell into place, and it was completed and ready to be sent to Todd a few hours short of the deadline. This project will be available in the Saturday, October 26th edition of the Caledonian-Record. Please purchase a copy, and keep the project to share with someone who may need to know they are not alone.

I want to thank each survivor who shared their story, and made themselves vulnerable in order to help others. I want to thank Jourdan for her time and talent, and capturing gorgeous photographs of beautiful people. I want to thank Umbrella, for providing support and advocacy to people in the community, and helping people find safety and resources. I want to thank Amy Ash Nixon, for her dedication to Domestic Violence Awareness, and her giant heart and kind soul. I want to thank Todd Smith for his help in making this project become something more than a dream, and for covering the cost of it all, because of his desire to share these important messages.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Together, we have helped at least 34 people find their courage and their voice. We have helped countless others know they are not alone. We have raised awareness of something that usually stays in the dark. Together, we have lit the path to healing.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Sam’s Story

“I was so used to the constant abuse- the fights, the drinking, the name calling, hair pulling, black eyes, money stealing monotony of it all.. that I never thought anything would change, and that maybe.. just maybe I really was as “crazy” as he claimed..
Right up until the second the school called me- concerned (after some testing I had asked be done for my youngest son) that they believed he was suffering from PTSD.. due to being molested. I sent my children to my mother’s where they would be SAFE the very next day and had our abuser removed from our lives FOREVER. We have not seen him or heard from him in over 3 years… the active arrest warrant that I was notified about via the court system ensures that he while he may not have to face the full impact of his actions- My silence.. will NOT be the last thing he hears from me.”

Thank you, Sam, for sharing your story. I admire your strength and you desire to protect your children. Keep speaking your truth.

You are brave.

You are strong.

You are a warrior.

#DomesticViolenceAwareness

Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Tari’s Story

“I have come to the point in my domestic violence story where I no longer give much thought to how awful those years were, how hard it was just to get by day to day, how scared I was, or how exhausted I was all the time never knowing what was going to happen next. I could list example after example from my different abusive relationships, but the details aren’t particularly unique.

Any physical bruise I picked up along the way has long since healed. It’s the effects of the emotional and verbal abuse that lingered. It took longer than I expected for the phrases “I’ll leave you in a puddle of blood,” and “Don’t open your mouth or I’ll burn you,” to stop dominating my brain space.

Friends, counselors, even acquaintances who were willing to listen all played a role in my ability to move forward from being a domestic violence victim to a domestic violence survivor to now not really identifying with that part of my story much at all. It’s so very important for people to feel heard.

Fast forward to now and I can honestly say that life is good. There were times I didn’t believe I’d ever get here, but here I am enjoying life with my kids and grandkids and friends. Life is peaceful and fun.

If your story contains domestic violence just know that step by step, day by day you can get to a place where you are at peace. You are so worth it. Keep moving forward. “

Thank you, Tari, for sharing your story. You give hope to others who may be at the beginning of their healing journey.

You are strong.

You are brave.

You are powerful.

#DomesticViolenceAwareness