Speaking Against Violence-Advocating for Healthy Relationships

Speaking Against Violence-Advocating for Healthy Relationships hollischapmanshow 32:00

My Story

From the age of 16 – 19, I was in an abusive dating relationship – verbally, emotionally, physically and sexually. Thankfully I eventually found the strength and courage to break free from the relationship, but I was held captive by the pain, hurt, anger, isolation, fear, shame, and guilt of that experience well into adulthood.

It was only after fully accepting God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness that I finally healed. As I healed, I felt him lead me to write a book about my experience to help others recognize the signs, understand abusive relationships and hopefully save someone else from enduring one. As I researched for the book, I discovered our children are at risk of succumbing to various risky behaviors, including drinking, drugs, sexual activity, eating disorders, and unhealthy or abusive dating relationships.

As I learned more, I felt God lead me to start a prevention program to protect youth from all risky behaviors but wasn’t sure how. God showed me the way, and for seven years, several volunteers and I ran a non-profit organization, Positively Impacting Communities, volunteering with youth, mentoring and engaging them to learn about healthy character traits, and to be aware of risks associated with what many deem “normal” teenage activity. We also created opportunities for teens to help youth and families in their community. It was an honor to watch God at work in the faces of these youth, the students, and the families they touch. I was constantly in awe