I Don't Know Why I Stayed

💜💜💜

I don’t know why I stayed...

I don’t know why I allowed myself to get pregnant...

I don’t know why I didn’t reach out for help...

I don’t know why I refused help when it arrived...

I don’t know why I lied about the abuse...

I don’t know why I chose to suffer in silence...

Some people judged me, some people ignored me, and some people helped me along the way. 

I’m thankful for my mother, my stepfather, my big brother, and my godparents because they showed me that it was okay to leave, they encouraged me to accept my pregnancy as a blessing from the Lord, they offered consistent help that surpassed my shame and guilt, and they investigated my lies so I could evict myself from suffering from a paralyzing oblivion. 

My mother helped me find a therapist, and yes, Jamaicans seek counseling. I am forever grateful for my support system because I would not have made it out of the abuse alive without them. My 11-pound baby is now a respectful, caring, and intelligent young black boy. If you know us, then you know. 

To God be the glory!!! Our journey continues beautifully beyond the abuse because I SURVIVED!!!

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who helps other women, men, and children become free from domestic violence and other types of abuse. 

I cannot counsel family or friends, but if you know someone who needs counseling in the state of Florida, please have them inquire here:

https://www.belovedheal.com/book-davia

I look forward to helping them find hope as they work toward their healing. 

💜💜💜 

If you know someone who is suffering with domestic violence, please don’t ignore them and please don’t give up on them. You could save a life! Please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 

1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text "START" to 88788, or visit https://www.thehotline.org.  Please remind them to click the “X” or “Escape” button at any time to leave the website immediately and to clear their browser history after visiting the website. 

#iSURVIVED 

#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth

💜💜💜

Written by: Davia T. Knight