I’m one week into sharing my domestic violence / trauma TEDx video daily on social media–
I’m going to share this every day this month (Domestic Violence Awareness Month 💜), not because I want to annoy you but rather I want you to know I’m here. Whether you’re seeking a safe person with whom you can share, or you want to be a safe person for others, I’m here. Ask me anything!
*TRIGGER WARNING*
To ask privately: angelagilesklocke@gmail.com
–and this is a question I’ve received (in the past and now):
Paraphrased: “Why tell people to reach out to you and not a local organization?”
Great question!
I have found over the years that when someone is ready to share or find help, they fall into one of two camps.
The first is to tell their story to a stranger so there is no possibility of judgment from someone they love. I met many of these amazing, strong people in my previous positions as an advocate. Their comfort was in telling a stranger, and I had the honor of being that stranger. By them telling me first, they were often then able to reach out to a loved one for their next steps.
The second group falls into the need and desire to share with someone they know who has been through the same kind of pain (not the same story, mind you), to talk privately and ask for that person’s advice on where to go for help. That is where I come in. And my experience over the years as a vocal survivor is that this works for so many of the people in my circles because I am the face they know and feel they can trust.
That is why I love being a safe place and why I want to help you be a safe place, as well. Because there are people in your life who won’t tell a stranger like me but they might want to tell YOU.
THEN you and I can take steps on their journey with them to local resources IF THAT IS WHAT THEY WANT.
I liken this to how often I see someone ask for a recommendation on, let’s say, homeschooling. And it never fails, someone barks, “Go to Google!” Well, yes, there are resources there, but this person was asking for recommendations and experiences from the people in their circle. There’s a huge difference.
So, I always want to be someone with whom you can sit and talk, or we can be silent, and you are safe, and then if you want my personal recommendation of another place to go and what might help you and how to use your voice, I can do that, too. But first, let’s just talk.