It's Silent. It Can Be Deadly.

It's Silent. It Can Be Deadly.... Domestic Violence...

Almost everyone knows someone who has been a victim of domestic abuse. The problem is, most don't realize what is going on behind closed doors. Take a peek into the life of an abused woman and the rationalization she lives with.

Excerpt from Chapter 17 of Whether I’ll Live or Die by Stacy Eaton

“I came back into the kitchen about two hours later; he was sitting on the couch watching television. The sink wasn’t fixed, so I asked him about it.” Her eyes came up to mine. “He just flipped out then. He jumped up off the couch, started screaming at me, and then pushed me up against t

he wall.” The cadence of her voice rose as she spoke.

“Did he hit you then?” My hand still rested on her arm, giving her a small comfort.

“Yeah, but it wasn’t hard.” She looked away.

“It was hard enough to leave a mark on your face.” I pulled my hand back. She was starting to transition into denial.

The Wikipedia definition of Domestic Violence:

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse, spousal abuse, battering, family violence, and intimate partner violence (IPV), is defined as a pattern of abusive behaviors by one partner against another in an intimate relationship such as marriage, dating, family, or cohabitation.^[1] Domestic violence, so defined, has many forms, including physical aggression or assault (hitting, kicking, biting, shoving, restraining, slapping, throwing objects), or threats thereof; sexual abuse; emotional abuse; controlling or domineering; intimidation; stalking; passive/covert abuse (e.g., neglect); and economic deprivation.^[1]^[2] Alcohol consumption^[3] and mental illness ^[4] can be co-morbid with abuse, and present additional challenges in eliminating domestic violence. Awareness, perception, definition and documentation of domestic violence differs widely from country to country, and from era to era.

Domestic violence and abuse is not limited to obvious physical violence. Domestic violence can also mean endangerment, criminal coercion, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, trespassing, harassment, and stalking.^[5]

That is a pretty spot on definition, EXCEPT it is lacking in the most critical part. Nowhere in there does it explain the emotional, psychological or physical pain that comes with being a victim.

Is it because each person feels differently? No, I don’t think so. I think that every victim wonders some of these same questions:

Why them?

What did they do to be put in the situation?

What could they do to make that person love them more, or how can they keep them happy so they don’t anger them again?

Sound familiar? Have you ever heard someone say that, or maybe you yourself have wondered what the answers are. If you have, you are NOT alone! There are millions of women, children and men that are abused each year. Some deal with only the scars on their minds from mental abuse. Some carry the bruises and broken bones on their bodies. It doesn’t matter what kind of abuse you suffer from, you suffer.

When I sat down to write “Whether I’ll Live or Die”, my intent was to show people that no matter who you are or what you do, you can be a victim. You can also get help and a find way out. My intent was to show different sides of abuse, from the victim’s point of view to the point of view from the legal side. I spent a lot of time talking to victims and survivors to bring about the true feelings of shame, pain and depression that someone goes through. I also needed to stress that victims and family members are not alone, and they can ask for help without embarrassment.

Whether you are a victim, a survivor or a family member, I think you will be able to understand the struggles Amanda goes through in her relationships. If you have never known anyone in these relationships, then this should give you insight into why it is not so easy to just walk away.

Whether I’ll Live or Die by Stacy Eaton

“It sounded so simple in theory; ready... aim... fire... but what actually transpired was so much more.”

Officer Nicole Nolan holds the gun steady in her hands, knowing that life will be forever altered once she pulls the trigger. Her position as a small town police officer is to protect those who cannot protect themselves. It is her job, her career and her life.

Amanda stands where protection does not exist. With several failed relationships behind her, Amanda turns a blind eye to the possessiveness Josh displays in order to sooth her desperate need to be loved. As the mental abuse turns violent, Amanda must deal with the denial and embarrassment of being a victim once again. With her emotional and physical health siting on the edge, she must fight to regain control of her life.

A gripping story with one final destination, but will it be life or death?

(A portion of these proceeds will be donated to Domestic Violence organizations)

If you are a victim or know someone who is, I encourage you to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline NOW to get help! 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

AMAZON