Speaking out

Susan Still is a survivor of domestic violence whose experience has made her a national figure. After appearances on “Oprah” and the TV news magazine “20/20” Susan’s life changed dramatically. She is sought for appearances and workshops around the country and chose to speak out for victims who don’t have a voice. She came to Memphis to share her story and give insight about what victims go through to a large crowd attending the second annual community response to domestic violence event, which ushered in National Domestic Violence Month. Because she literally feared for her life, and because she had an employer who saw unmistakable signs of abuse and urged her to act, Susan found the strength to leave her husband. But she explained how the act of leaving isn’t simple nor easy nor clear-cut. Susan Still's husband ultimately was convicted and sentenced to a record prison sentence.

A Survivor's Story

Renee is a survivor of domestic violence. Because she was married to an abusive and violently controlling husband, Renee and her sons — Andrew, 16, and Austin, 12 —lived a nightmare for a decade. "I was raised in a loving home by two great parents," Renee says today. "I am an educated woman. I'm intelligent. I'm resourceful. I also made a bad choice in a man." The violence continued for 11 years before she found the strength — and the help — to take control of her situation, including getting a divorce. The help and the incentive to act came from, among others, an astute police officer, a gritty lawyer, and a social worker at the Exchange Club. If there had been a Family Safety Center when she needed it, she and her boys would have had even more help surviving the ordeal. "The number one challenge is to escape the abuse," she says. "That involves so much, like finding shelter, getting legal help, financial help — mostly the assurance you and your family will be protected." Exactly what the Family Safety Center is designed to do.