Domestic violence survivor turns pain into purpose and inspires others to speak up

[0:00]A local survivor of domestic violence has turned into an advocate for those who remain silent, who feel trapped in abusive relationships. Now, she tells me she wants people to know they're not alone. Powerful stories and testimonials from domestic violence survivors filled the room at Mitchell College in New London Thursday. We continued to fight and he continued hitting me with the gun. And as he's hitting me, I can hear the clicking of the gun repeatedly, but nothing was happening. And those sensitive testimonials came with a powerful message, a message of hope and support. And behind every story, motivational speaker and advocate for domestic violence victims, Denisha Luciano says there's a men and a woman still suppressed by fear, unable to speak up and see the red flags in abusive relationships. Just to bring awareness and let them know that there's a way out and there are resources out there. There are a lot of organizations that help out and hopefully change someone's perspective if if they are the one that's maybe verbally abusing somebody that maybe they recognize, oh my God, what am I doing? Luciano says she wants to help people overcome those fears because she understands the pain after experiencing the same abuse multiple times. Had I not gotten out when I got out, he would have killed me, um, because the beatings were getting worse. I got into an uh a marriage where it was also mostly verbally and mentally abusive and then towards the end it started getting more worse and physical. Until she says she was brave enough to leave and find a safe space for her children. They gave me the courage to also leave. Um, to this day, I still sometimes hold some guilt because, you know, the anxiety that they had to deal with and stuff like that. So sometimes I feel responsible for that, like I wish I left sooner, but it was, it was, I was afraid, right? She says this moment is not just about awareness, but about healing, courage and letting others know that there's life and strength after pain. Mitchell College student Frankie Poller says she was moved. I think it was very helpful. I think it should be talked about on a lot of campuses, high schools too. And for those who still feel unseen or unheard, Louisiana says, I'm always willing to help somebody if they need it. Um, so I'm glad to say I've turned my pain into purpose. Know if you or anyone you know needs to reach out for help. Luciano says she'll be there to provide support for details you can visit our website at fox61.com in New London, Valerivi, Fox 61.