Elie Wiesel “…to remain silent and
indifferent is the greatest sin of all…”
—I told Kay’s story to Maggie @ Violence UnSilenced when it first happened.
Hell, I told everybody who would listen.
Incase you haven’t recognized thus far, I have screamed out her story for 600 and some
days now.
And I will continue screaming until the entire Universe hears,
listens, understands, and transforms
into what it should be.
…Because when one is
Silent, one is in Bondage.
…Because Silence is a Murderous Monster.
Along with Kay and I, there are several others in the video below
( created by Maggie of Violence UnSilenced Speaking Out against domestic & sexual abuse.
Will you speak out or be silent?
Will you stand back or step in?
Will you take a pledge now to Speak Out and scream… No More!!?
In the comment section below, simply state your name
& where you are from— (even if you
do not usually comment, do it now, okay? )
Something like this:
Example: I am Kim from Duluth, Minnesota
and I am screaming out. I will never be
SILENT. I will always speak out.
Just write whatever you want, but write Something so I know
you’re HERE. Okay, dear?
I will send all of your comments to Violence UnSilenced.
What binds us together cannot break us apart.
Love
Love Love
My name is Deb. Originally from Duluth, MN, I now live in Mountain Grove, Missouri.
“All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing,”
I WILL NOT BE SILENT and I have and will help ANYONE I see in an abusive relationship.
**All that is necessary for evil to succeed is that good men do nothing,”**
Thank You, Deb for your support Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Kim from Lillehammer, Norway
and I am screaming out. I will never be
SILENT. I will always speak out.
KLEM!
Kimberly
Goodness and Grit recently posted..Serious Shoe Fetish
Kimberly,
Keep Screaming. Xx Love.
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Adriana Iris from Savannah, GA and I am screaming out. I will never be silent and always speak out. For my daughters… For everyone’s daughters… For myself.
Adriana Iris recently posted..A Stationary Nomad…
Adriana,
What a GREAT example you are for your daughters.
Thank you for your continual support, dear. Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am always here dear! I have watched that video many times. It is sad, but yet so uplifting.
I actually pulled my truck over on the side of the road the other day when I saw a late teen couple arguing. He was being very violent, but not actually hitting her….yet, she was crying hysterically. I pulled over and gave her a ride home. Talked to her on the way about how nobody deserves to be treated like that. I can only hope that it sunk in.
Had I not met you I would have driven right by. YOU may have saved her from a life of abuse.
Sandy Webb recently posted..Grief, Guilt & Happiness
–Sandy,
Your story made me smile.
Xx Love to you, Sweets.
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
That makes me feel so emotional, Kim. My heart goes out to you, and everyone in that video, and those not in the video. Oh yes, I pledge that I will speak out. I’ll scream. I will never be silent.
Thank you for sharing!
Love and hugs.
Vidya Sury recently posted..The Haiku Challenge 2012 – Day 20 – Affirmation
((((((( I hear you all the way from India, Dear Vidya!!!!!! ))))))xxxxxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Phil. Originally from New York, I am now a long-time Maryland resident.
I hear your screaming. Loud. And. Clear.
As a man with two daughters of my own who are now adults in this world, I can assure you that instead of screaming, I will use my influence to step in and do what I can to ensure other men do not inflict this kind of cowardly violence form over women in any way, shape, or form. I do hear you Kim, and I do feel it through to my core.
Blessings to you Kim. Hugs.
Phil
Phil recently posted..It’s Mardi Gras – Is Your Mojo Working?
~~~Phil,
you fill my heart up w/ love and gratitude.
I KNOW you are an wonderful father to your daughters & a superb husband to your wife.
…. A man of MUCH character.
I love that. I do. I do.
Thank you for making a difference. Thank you for your support to empower women. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I will always speak out and never stand silent!
Sharen,
Yes! Never stand Silent! Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
Kjersti from Eagan, MN
And I am speaking out!
Thank you so much Kim. Your strength and drive are driving me. To tell my truth. Thank you.
Wild Child Mama recently posted..Hey Idiot! I mean, excuse me, Ma’am?
~~~~Wild Mama,
NEVER stop telling your truth.
The truth sets us FREE.
Xxx Kiss
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I’m Joan from Duluth. I will NOT BE SILENT. I have not been silent. My sister, too, was shot to death in a domestic shooting. I am screaming all the time about gun violence victims and domestic abuse victims. Please everybody- do not be silent. Our voices need to be loud to be heard above the din of those who do not want this issue to be important. We must get into the faces of those who don’t understand that women are being silenced every day in our country by domestic abuse.
Joan recently posted..Myth busters…
Amen, Sister Joan.
You. Empower.
You. Inspire.
Xxx Thank You!
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Carrie from Toronto, Canada and I am screaming out. I will never be SILENT! I will always speak out!
Hey, Carrie,
I hear you all the way in Minnesota )))) !!! Xx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Christina from Elgin, IL. I am screaming out. I will never be SILENT! I will always speak out!
Christina,
Thank You for speaking out.
Silence killed my sister!
Xx Love Love Love.
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
Trish from Clinton twp. Mi, transplanted to Rogers, MN.
I will SPEAK and I will also LISTEN.
What a great way to spread awareness Kim. Xoxo
~~~~Trish,
thank you for your continual support, encouragement, & love.
Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Laci from Jefferson City Missouri.
After nearly 25 years I have spoken.
I will continue to tell my story of abuse.
I will do everything in my power to prevent the abuse of others.
Keep telling your story. So many are listening.
Sending hugs!
Laci recently posted..I’m Not Fine
Laci,
And you have a story to tell, as well.
You will be liberated once you begin telling it.
I hear you )))) Xxx Love.
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
how in the hell am i going to get my friend away from the guy that smacks her around? She keeps going back, how do I stop it how do I stop her? She denies it, but he’s got such a hold on her. Hes posessive, roid rage, abusive, mentally, physically. I am so scared he’s going to kill her, and I have been worried for months now. I just know someday when he grabs her by the throat again, he is not going to let go.
Amy,
This so-called-man will end up killing your friend.
There are many places to get help & support…
Start here to ask : For support and more information please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or at TTY 1-800-787-3224.
Keep me informed, okay?
She is not ALONE. Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
My name is Bob Sisto (Kim’s Dad), I will always speak out, never never be (SILENT).
Love You
Dad
Bob,
I just want to let you know that I see you post here and am always struck by the love you have for your daughters Kay and Kim. As the father of two grown daughters myself, I cannot begin to imagine the incredible emotional pain you too must feel. I just cannot fathom it. I’ve said so many times to Kim that I am in awe of that incredible heart of hers, and I see where that heart comes from. I am humbled by the depth of love you have for each other.
You have my deepest respect and heartfelt sympathy. The work Kim does here affects me profoundly, and I just know that she is responsible for saving the lives of others. She is an angel – but you already knew that.
Phil
I told my daddy you wrote to him. He will respond here tomorrow.
How sweet of you, dearest, Phil. xx
Dad,
I love you more than 11 tigers curled up in the African MoonLight.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kim- we will never be silent again. For our loved ones who can no longer tell their stories, we will. I am honored that I could be part of this also. Together we can change things. xxx
Dear e,
Yes. Together we can change the WORLD
I really believe that.
Luv U. X
Love your photo on the video.
My name is Jessie Powell, currently from Montgomery, Alabama, and it would be damned hard to silence me.
Jessie Powell recently posted..Wolf’s bane
—Jessie,
You are a girl after my own heart!
Even from the grave, I shall be screaming out! Xx
My name is Sandra, I’m from Saginaw,Michigan. I am Screaming! I will always speak out. I will never be silent.
–Sandra,
Welcome to the powerful “VOICES” that will never being Silenced !!! XX
I am Kelly LeDoux from Duluth, Minnesota and I am screaming out.
I PROMISE YOU I will NEVER be SILENT. I will ALWAYS speak out.
On May 26, 2010 Kay Marie Sisto was murdered by her “husband” and then the coward turned the gun on himself… What a horrible way to meet someone but that is what brought me to Kay’s sister Kim Sisto Robinson… I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS MOST AMAZING WOMAN EVER!!!!!!
Kim’s way with words actually make you feel like you are really there! I have told her before after reading one of her amazing blogs (http://myinnerchick.com/ ); she made me feel like I grew up with her and Kay. I honestly feel like I am part of their story. Her writings are raw, emotionally filled and best of all she writes for herself nobody else. We my friends just get the luxury of learning a little bit more about ourselves from them.
I admire the Faith this woman has, the LOVE she shows EVERYBODY, but mostly her heart wrenching vulnerability as she takes us on this never ending, want to scream, fist in the gut, can’t stop crying journey as she questions and tries to understand what life is. Everything Kim has been through she is turning around and letting us know so we can learn from this tragic situation. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a Romance Novel, and it will never come out with the happy ending we would all pray for, that Kay is here and it was all just a dream. But I have never felt so humbled in all my life by such a remarkable person as Kim.
You might think you don’t know anyone affected by violence but it is everywhere!!! Sadly too many of us can look in the mirror and see a victim!!!!
Kim I am and ALWAYS will be here…… LOve LOVE loVE – KraZy KeLly
KraZY Kelly,
Your support, comments, encouragement, inspiration, help, & kind words have meant so much to me during theses dark days.
Love Love Love
Always. Xxx
My name is Mandy from South Africa and I spoke out and I will never be silenced again.
Bless you darling Kim for sharing this, I was very touched by the video and loved your paragraph: ]
“And I will continue screaming until the entire Universe hears,
listens, understands, and transforms
into what it should be.”
Sending you much love
Mandy xo
Mandy – The Complete Cook Book recently posted..Melody’s Tripe
Mandy,
I Hear you all the way from South Africa.
Lo0000ve to You! Xx
I’m Amy. I have never been silent and will NEVER be silent.
The laws that protect perpetrators have to changed. But first the people who write those laws, and who work to keep old laws on the books, have to be circulated out of existence. They are dinosaurs, old geezers, young manipulators, crooked hypocrites masquerading as do-good citizens. When these evil-doers are recognized for the shit that they’re made of, and when something is done to depose them and their cronies, and people with true social justice in their hearts step forward to take the place of the Old Stinking Guard, then we will see progress.
Until then, perpetrators rule in every sector of society.
CB recently posted..Slammed down St. Croix
Hi, CB,
I so much appreciate your strong voice & deep passion.
Thank You for NEVER being Silent Xx
I am Brenda from San Francisco and I will not be silenced, ever. Your voice, my dearest, Kim, is being heard.
Brenda recently posted..Field of Dreams
Brenda,
I can hear you!
Your words will NEVER be silenced. Xxx Love.
I am Ellen, and I am from Epping, New Hampshire.
I will always speak, cry, and scream out for myself, and for those who don’t – or no longer – have a voice. I will never be silent.
Ellen recently posted..Meet Me on Monday 11
Hey, Ellen,
I can hear you from New Hampshire all the way to Minnesota.
Thanks for Standing up & Speaking out. Xxx Love…
I’m Irene from Pennsy and I will NOT be silenced! I’m going to scream out loud about domestic abuse until it no more!
Irene recently posted..I Bet I Know What Martha Wears!
Hurricane Irene,
You. WIll. Never. Be. Silenced.
Thank God Xxxxx
I’m Debbie from Woodbridge, Virginia and I won’t ever, ever be silenced….and will always speak up and shout out!
Debbie recently posted..Oatmeal Scotchies
Debbie,
Shout Out! Stand Up!
Thank you for your support Xx
I am Mary Kay from Duluth. My first comment. I do not usually comment but this was important to my friend Kim that I say I am here. I will always speak out because some cannot any longer speak out.
Dear Mary,
Love to you, my dear.
I hear you. Xxx
Thank you for your support, calls, & love.
I am Beverly, from Los Angeles. I haven’t been silent for a long time, and I ain’t about to start now.
Abuse hurts everyone; men, women and children. Stand up and SCREAM – lend a listening ear and a quiet whisper to someone you suspect may be being abused, that they are worthy of being treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We all are.
Beverly Diehl recently posted..Men in Uniform – Who Could Ask for Anything More? #MancandyMonday
***We are worthy of being treated with kindness, dignity and respect. We all are.***
Yes, Beverly.
Lets start a movement NOW. Xx
I am Elephant’s Child from Canberra, Australia
and I am screaming out. I will never be
SILENT. I will always speak out.
Through my work (voluntary) as a telephone counsellor with Lifeline I will always try (so very hard) to help other women find their voices as well. All right, other people, since domestic violence also affects men in a small number of cases.
And Kim, I am sending you hugs, today and always.
Elephant’s Child recently posted..Surprise
Dear E.
I hear you all the way from Australia! I do!
Xx Thank You.
Hugs..
My name is Impulsive Addict (aka Christy). I’m from Oklahoma and I will NEVER BE SILENT! EVER! It’s just not my nature. I didn’t get comments like “talks to much in class” on my report cards for 12 years to be SILENT.
Can I get an amen?
Impulsive Addict recently posted..Skating Like a Rockstar…..Or Not.
–And I say….AMEN, Sister !!!
Xx
I will always speak out against abuse. ALWAYS. Keep up your precious work, Kim. xxxxxx
Jann Huizenga recently posted..Two-Steppin’ Sicilians
Jann,
Love to you in Italy. Always. Xx
This is Sue from Minneapolis MN, I will always speak out and NEvER be silent. Love you Kim
Dear Sue,
Love You, too.
I ( and many others ) appreciate your support !!
xx Kisses from Duluth.
I am Red, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, now a resident of South Carolina.
I am a survivor of abuse which nearly took my life. I was not silent then.
I have lifted others from abuse. For them, I was not silent.
I have worked in abuse counseling and women’s shelters. I was not silent.
I have taught self-defense. I was not silent.
I have daughters, six of them. For them, I am never silent.
I blog about relationships, parenting and marriage. I am not silent.
Even when I am dead, I will still not be silent, as my will specifically states my intent to never be silenced.
Red.
Red Dwyer recently posted..#TalkTuesday
***Even when I am dead, I will still not be silent***
My all time fave. quote of the day.
Thank you, Red Xx
I am LV from Los Angeles and I will never be silent! I will scream for those who cant. I watched someone close to me be abused for years and I felt so helpless.
LV recently posted..Zebra Stripes
LV,
It’s not too late to stand up NOW.
Xxx Love.
Silence kills. Speak.
totsymae1011 recently posted..Ichwhay Ayway Isway Upway?
Tots,
3 words that have Great Power.
Xxx Kisssss
Screaming as loudly and as often as I can. Too many of us live with this on a daily basis and don’t even recognize how bad the control really was until we finally manage to break away and get out safely. I am one of the lucky ones. Add my voice to yours. I’ll be talking about this again as I make my way on my own healing journey and, although much of mine was emotional as opposed to physical (tho’ that did factor in on occasion), I am screaming for safety for all who are in any abusive situation that there is help, you can find your way out, find your place in the world again and find peace as you heal your heart. How do I know this? Because it is what I am trying to do. No, what I am doing. Much love xo
Aurora recently posted..Winter Beach Walk
***emotional & to physical are the same***
they both Kill the spirt…
Keep telling your story, Aurora. Xxx
Forgot to say: I am Janice from Vancouver BC. No more silence, screaming as loud as I can!
Aurora recently posted..Winter Beach Walk
My name is Maren & I live in Duluth, MN. I’ll scream out for those who feel they can’t!
Maren,
I hear you. Thank you for speaking out ))) !!!! xxx
My name is Helen from Duluth, MN. Speaking and screaming out, refusing to be silent. No matter if people want to hear what I say. Or think. Over and over again. Forever.
Speaking Out…
Over and over and over again.
Forever. Always.
Yes, Sister Helen !!! xxx
The world thanks you for speaking out Kim. Silence is deadly. Keep speaking and we’ll keep listening and shouting with you xxx
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Made From Scratch: Yogurt in a Thermos or Oven!
Lorraine,
Silence is Deadly.
So True.
***hearing your from Down Under. *** Xx
My name is Ann from Florida – I will speak out!
I pray that everyone does…
…and no one has to
Thank you, Kim…for not just speaking out, but for screaming!
Ann recently posted..Sausage and Mash with Onion Gravy
Ann,
So much love flowing to you from MN. to Florida. xxX
Kim, I am Monica and I live in San Diego, California. I am humbled by your words and those of your readers. Like Totsy says, Silence kills. And I join everyone here in raising my voice, and not standing by, or shying away when I see someone’s life being threatened by violence. Hell no, I will never be silenced!
Monica recently posted..A Gaggle of Books & Films
Monica,
Wecome to all the the “VOICES” standing strong.
Love to you in San Diego. Xxx Kissssssssssssssss
I am Maggie Mckenzie Born in Minneapolis Minnesota-Came to Duluth Because my mom with 4 kids in tow left my father who beat her on a regular basis. Was ready to kill her. I WILL NEVER BE SILENT. I will ALWAYS SCREAM OUT. I will teach my daughter the same. I will teach my son NEVER to lay hands on a girl. I WILL ALWAYS BE HEARD!!!
~~~~Maggie,
ALways. Always.
Be Heard. Sceam if you must.
Be a Powerful VOICE.
Teach you daughter.
Love Love Love. Xx
I am Pam in Portland, Oregon and I will be rude, crude, bitchy and oh-so-unladylike to break the shame of silence!!!!!
–Pam,
You have captured my heart w/ your passion, sassiness & humanity.
NO. More. Shame.
The Truth will Liberate us out of Bondage.
Xxx Many kissses flowin gto Oregon.
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
Phil, Thank you so much for the kind words. Yes Kim is doing such a great job in telling others about
Kay and the abuse she put up with.
I pray that God will always bless you and your family
Bob
A wonderful post Kim!
lisa, from NY
SPEAKING OUT!!
lisa recently posted..Barn Charm
Lisa,
I hear you.
thanks for joining the other voices!
We are speaking up… Saying NO MORE!
X
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
My name is Kimberly. I’m from Ontario Canada.
I will stand firm on my ground and will not be silenced.
xoxo
Kimberly recently posted..My Favourite Time Of Day Is When I Spend It With You
Kimberly,
I didn’t think we could keep you down!
Keep telling your story, too Xxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Ronda from Duluth, MN. I vow to never be silenced! I will speak out for every person that has been a victim of abuse and for those that cannot for themselves. I will raise my children to understand abuse and to be the next generation to scream out and not to be silenced!
~~~Sweet Ronda,
You’ve already done that, my dear.
You. Have. A. Voice. That.
WILL NOT Be. Silenced.
Thank you for your undying support. Luv U.
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
No relatonship, friendship or love is greater than the love of your family!!! They are always there no matter what, speak up, ask for help, stand up for yourself!! I have never been in a abusive situation, but I have seven brothers and a sister who will always be there to stand up for me if I need them too!! Kim, I admire your strength, courage, love for your family and most of all your encouraging words through your own pain! Keep up the amazing work you do, you my friend are saving many!
Hugs and strength to hold you up and keep you writtnig:-}
Dixie from Duluth, MN
–Momma D,
You Rockkkkk.
Thank you for all of your support Xxx
I am Barbara from South Jordan, Utah, and I am screaming out. I will never be SILENT. I will always speak out.
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes recently posted..Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken with Foolproof Rice
Barbara,
Thank You, to my fave. Baker!! Xxxx
My Inner Chick recently posted..The Greatest Sin Of All
I am Tia from Duluth, Minnesota and I will never be silent. Indifference and silence is a death sentence.
NO MORE!!!!!!
Tia,
Never again.
NEVER. Never.
Luv U.
I’m Maureen from the Sunshine Coast, in Queensland, Australia and I will never be silent. I will always speak out.
Maureen recently posted..Colcannon Croquettes
~~~~~Maureen,
I hear you all the way from Australia.
Thank You! xxx
My name is Nicole, I’m from Lebanon. As a victim of domestic violence and abuse, still living in the same situation, i want to thank you for this post.
Dear, Nicole,
Can you get out of the situation in your country?
Can you use your “Voice?”
Can I use my Voice for you?
Sending you love from Minnesota. USA.
Thank you Kim. Unfortunately there is nothing i can do, nothing anyone can do as abusers are protected by our laws.
Nikky,
I am here if you want to talk. Okay? Xx
Thank you for this. My name is Fiona Miller – and I will never tolerate injustice, racism or people who abuse others.
Hugs.
Lady Fi recently posted..Golden moments
Fiona ( Lady Fi )
Thank you for joining all of the other strong VOICES. Xxx
Can’t wait to get your tattoo pictures.
I LOVE your video!!!!
Thanks Daft Xx
My name is Wendy and I will never …..ever BE SILENT
So proud of you friend for all the work you do that comes straight and fully from your heart!
Dear Wendy,
Thank You! For all of your support
) XXX
Hi. I’m Brenda.. I will never be SILENT. I will always speak out my mind.
Brenda W. Scott recently posted..Advantages of using a good quality software to unlock iPhone 3G
–Thanks, Brenda.
You. Are. One. More. Powerful. Voice !! Xx
I am Sarah from Duluth, Minnesota. As a victim of domestic violence and abuse in a previous relationship which i felt i had no where to turn, I will never be SILENT ever again. I will always speak out. I was lucky i got my kids and myself out when I did. I never saw how bad it actually was although everyone else around me did. Keep doing what you are doing Kim, it is a wonderful thing.
Sarah,
I feel when one is inside the abuse ( whether that is verbal or physical ) one does not see it as much.
My sister ( Kay )and my entire family were used to the murderer being an asshole.
We sort of accepted it. “Oh, that’s how he is.”
I only wish i would have SCREAMED OUT then….
NEVER again will I stand silent. NEVER.
I am now My Sister’s Voice.
So glad you got out of your abusive situation.
And now YOU ARE SPEAKING OUT. Xxx
My name is Stacy, I’m originally from Seattle currently residing in Pennsylvania. I WILL NOT BE SILENT, and I will be forever grateful to my friends and family who helped me escape my abusive ex-husband. I would not be alive today if it weren’t for their love and support, even though I was silent at the time, they just trusted me that I needed to escape. It took years before I finally spoke up – they were all shocked and horrified about how I was treated – particularly since he showed a much different face to everyone else in my life and had them all loving him.
Stacy Uncorked recently posted..Valentine Spoilage, Where’s My Water Addiction, The Hunger Games Dilemma
–Stacey,
I am pleased you are alive to speak out & stand up.
Silence Kills. I’ve seen that first hand…
Keep telling your story, sister. Xx
I watched the video and it was very moving and inspiring. Its a brave thing to speak out andmy admiration goes out to them all
countingducks recently posted..Still Centre of the Turning Wheel
–Ducky,
Thank you for your support. xx
Kim, what you and every woman and man who dares to take a stand against violence are achieving is unbelievable! It’s more than a movement, it’s a loud, passionate, and relentless warning to all type of abusers that screams, “We’re on to you! We’re watching you! We will not let you get away with this anymore!” I’m blown away by this courage, this solidarity, and the brave stance to go forward so that silence never again claims an innocent life. My name is Bella. I’m from Fayetteville, North Carolina and I refuse to be silenced! I will speak my mind. I will speak for those who can’t. And I will take a stand against abuse!
My Sweet Bella,
I Hear Your Voice LOUD & Clear.
And I thank you, along w/ many others for your SUPPORT & Powerful Voice.
Xxx Love
Thank you Bella
I am Joann Mannix from Valrico, Florida. In the name of beautiful Kay and all of the other victims of domestic violence, I am screaming out, let us remove the darkness, let us bring those who suffer to the light. Let those who suffer in silence, no longer be afraid. I will never, ever be silent. I am speaking up for those who no longer can and for those who are afraid. Let us force this violence to end.
joann mannix recently posted..Golfing Is Now My Favorite Sport (Right In Front Of Ice Dancing)
–Joann,
I Hear Your Strong Voice.
Thank You for joining us.
Perhaps with all of our voices & solidarity….WE Will start a Revolution. Xxx
Beautiful, Kim. We’re all always here for you. You’re such a strong woman. And I will never be silent. xx
Caroline recently posted..cooked-out. [crock-pot Mexican chicken]
–Caroline,
Thanks for joining the UN-SILENT VOICES.
xxx
No more silence, no more fear
We screaming out loud
And you’d better hear
No more abuse, no more pain
You won’t dare touch her (him)
Not when we’re near…..
Thank you, Kim.
You will so appreciate the latest post on my blog – a ‘survivor’ who broke out!!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted..Why Do We Stay?
I Love Love Love that poem.
(((((No more silence, no more fear
We screaming out loud
And you’d better hear
No more abuse, no more pain
You won’t dare touch her (him)
Not when we’re near…..))))))
YES!!
No More Silence.
EVER.
Xxx
Thank you
I’m here! Now and always, screaming out beside you.
Emily recently posted..Comfort
Emily,
I. Hear. You. ))))))
xx
Abuse is one thing I never tolerate. I always try to help.
Blond Duck recently posted..Friday Five: Five Things I’m Not
B. D.
Amen, SIster. Xx
I am Kelley from Spring, Texas. I am screaming out. I will NEVER be silent!
(Kim, I love how you are asking us to write that out. It feels like an oath. An oath everyone everywhere should make.)
Kelley,
The more VOICES–The more POWER!
Xxx Thank you!
I’m glad you linked this up over at #findingthefunny last week. Hopefully, more people saw it because of that. Big hugs to you!
Kelley recently posted..The (5-second) Chuck E. Cheese Quiz
Such a great and interesting post! I totally agree, silence can be killing and dangerous sometimes. I won’t say that it is the greatest sin, but there are some situations in which the silence is the worst way.
Julie recently posted..wisdom tooth extraction
Silence kills many. Every. SIngle. Day.
–it killed my sister, so for me, it’s the greatest sin of all.
This is a subject that requires a lot of vocals. You ahve done an exceptional job
in creating an awareness of it. Thank you for that.
I will never be
“SILENT” – I will always speak out.
Isadora
My message on this subject …. http://insidethemindofisadora.wordpress.com/2012/01/29/the-message/
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–I Hear You, Isadora!!! Xx
Amen to that dear.
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Wow, powerful blogsite and so affecting to see the many, many comments. I’m sorry that you have such a terrible reason to have this blog. Makes me realize once again what I lucky person I am.
Hi, Jennifer,
Count your blessings. Xx
hi Kim,
My friend kimberly from A Little Something Something…. just left a comment on a post I wrote about seeing an abuser yesterday and suggested I come over and visit you blog and say hi.
I am so sorry about the terrible tragedy that caused you to start this blog. This is an amazing place, it must touch so many lives…
I’m Jennifer from McKenney Virginia and I will not be silent.
I saw a incident of abuse yesterday.
And I did not stay silent.
jen recently posted..he gave me a dirty look, the bastard!
~~~~Jen,
Thank you for using your voice, speaking out, & stepping from your comfort zone.
I applaude you.
BRAVA! Bravo!
Now we need to spread the world …. Start a damn Revolution!
xx
My name is Carrie Reimer and I live in BC, Canada
I am a year out of a physically and mentally abusive relationship. I left with nothing, not even my self esteem and had no support because my family had turned their backs on me because I had gone back.
I will not be silent!!! People don’t want to hear it or see it because it is horrific, they don’t want to falsely accuse the abuser, so they blame the victim, they don’t want to “get involved” and in their silence they are perpetuating the abuse and empowering the abuser and victimize the victim further .
I started a blog where I speak openly and honestly about the abuse. I hope by sharing my experiences even one woman will read it and get out before it’s too late, or one friend or family member will recognize it and speak out. I am determined to show that even if you have nothing but the clothes on your back you can survive and thrive after leaving an abusive relationship. You are never stuck! There is NEVER an excuse for a man to hit or verbally batter a woman! we have to teach our daughters to never believe a man who tells them they deserved it! And teach our son’s to respect women.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your sister and best friend; I can’t imagine the pain. Not only is the powerful message you are sending a wonderful tribute to your sister Kay, it IS savings lives. Have no doubt. It is the only way to stop abuse!
***** I am determined to show that even if you have nothing but the clothes on your back you can survive and thrive after leaving an abusive relationship. You are never stuck!*****
This is POWERFUL. This is True.
I wish my sister would have read this! I wish my sister wouldn’t have waited.
You see, she felt sorry for the murderer.
Thank you for your words.
You are a very wise woman, Carrie. Xx
[...] and confound; Totsy Mae, whose art is a thing of beauty and whose words touch the heartstrings; and Kim, whose heartbreaking story birthed a perseverance the likes of which the world [...]
My name is Mary Anne Fuller. I live in Holiday, Florida.
Kim, Thank you for sharing. My mother used to tell me I could scream so loud, I could wake the dead. (If only that were true.) I will scream & scream & scream……..
Dear Mary Anne Fuller.
(((( SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM.))))
Never be silent.
LOVE love.XXxxx
I had a brief bit of contact with you Kim, when I was a skirt setter a few years ago, shortly after Kay’s murder. I went by the screen name KatyKat (my blogs are no longer on their site, but I am in the process of trying to rejoin). You were absent from Skirt for a bit after your sister’s life was taken, I remember other women posting questions wondering where you were, everyone loved your writing so much. During the time you were away I started a series of posts where i dissected the way the very abusive relationship I was lucky enough to survive had evolved, it was my way of trying to heal, trying to help other skirt readers recognize the signs that lead up to the danger and how the danger and control escalates. It was the first thing in the 5+ years since I escaped that relationship that had helped me feel in control again, that gave me strength at all, that made power a word I could appreciate as real, and helped me heal at all. I had women comment that they were getting out of situations that they felt were wrong, they told me that they had never realized that when a man insists on controlling the money you make, he will probably eventually want to control more and more about you. My ex started our relationship by begging, and pleading to me relentlessly to go on a date with him, he ignored every “no” and kept asking me out, bothering me, until finally i thought i should feel flattered by his attention and said “yes.” after that first “date” if you can count a cheap bottle of wine while hanging out with his buddies as a “date”, he just seemed to decide that i was HIS girl, i went along with it, and i still don’t know why, i didn’t find him very charming, i didn’t think he was “hot” (but my friends did), I didn’t see what the fuss about him was, but i went along with him deciding that we were dating because i didn’t really have anything else going on, and it didn’t seem dangerous to have a boyfriend. He was funny, and somewhat fun, and we started to spend more time together. i still cant figure out why, i was so not that into him. after a year of him basically showing up at my apartment and spending the night every night, i was getting ready to move into my own one bedroom apartment, his lease with his roommate was up too, and he pointed out that we shared a bed every night, why not save some cash and share my apartment, as a poor college student, i thought, “hey he may as well help with the rent if he’s always going to be around.” He was making big decisions for me, and I was allowing him to without even thinking of what that actually meant. the apartment was in my name, he was just listed as a roommate, he began collecting my rent money “to pay the rent” but then i would receive notice that the rent was late and have to remind him to pay it, he also insisted on paying the power bill, also my money and in my name (my power was turned off almost every other month), i got a job, he started to collect my paychecks- for food and stuff- he only purchased things he liked to eat (i ate rice so many nights that i still cant place any in my mouth without wanting to vomit)… all these little things add up to something HUGE, but while they were happening i just thought nothing of them, the verbal abuse and other control things go much farther than what i have mentioned, i am a smart woman, i was studying women and gender studies at a great college at the time this was all happening, i am a feminist i have been since i was born, and i didn’t see it coming. the abuse escalated eventually when i decided to say something about those unpaid power bills, complained that late rent made me look bad, asked for something different for dinner, and that is when i started to get thrown. he threw me around that apartment like i was a rag doll, i had no strength to contend with him and the times i tried to get up and walk away he caught me and hurt me more, he threw me onto our washing machine so hard once that he actually broke the machine mid cycle, when he was finally gone my father helped me fix up and reclaim my apartment, my daddy had to patch a hole in the wall shaped exactly like my entire arm- shoulder to pinky finger. Rape became a constant thing, and i was never safe, this story is so long, but i felt the need to speak again, because it has been too long for me. Speaking up wasn’t what saved my life, but i was an extremely lucky woman, my best friend lived in the same building, upstairs from us and one apartment over, she was watching TV with a boyfriend one night when they heard a continuous banging noise coming from downstairs (where my bedroom was located) she eventually noticed that the banging was accompanied by what sounded like me yelping, the yelps stopped as her boyfriend got dressed and broke into my apartment, he pushed my ex aside and found me crumpled on my bedroom floor, my ex lit a cigarette and acted like nothing happened, her boyfriend scooped me up and started to leave my apartment, this is when my ex got angry, they were able to get me upstairs and into her apartment and they blocked her door with furniture while my ex knocked on it on and off all night long, they saved my life. i was too strong to say i was weak, i was weak in my own place, and my mind blocked out a lot of what happened to me,every friend of mine at that time has a story of when they tried to get me out or when they saved my day, when they wanted to call the cops but didn’t know what to say, when they worried because i was sleeping in my car for safety. i couldn’t and didn’t know how to speak up or out about anything back then. I didn’t see it coming, and i couldn’t believe that anything that was happening to me would ever happen to me, so i just let it happen. i know if it wasn’t for that one night, i would not have made it to the end of that year. i have to use my good fortune, and honor my good friends, and earn my strength back by keeping other women from ignoring those little signs that add up, by never shutting up or shutting down again.
you commented on one of my original skirt posts about my relationship, and you understood, it meant a lot to me that someone else understood how important it was that i let my guard down and share what i had gone through. thank you again for that, and i am grateful that you are able to help share these same ideas with other women, your sister would be more than proud i imagine. so many signs of danger, especially in one’s own relationship, in one’s own home are easy to dismiss, so many things don’t seem to point to the full extent of danger that can be present, and so many of us are too afraid to “overreact”- speaking up and sharing stories that show it is better to be safe than sorry is important.
My name is Kate and I am from South Carolina (my ex was able to track my roommate who he never had met on facebook years after he was out of my life, and he harassed her for my contact info, so for now, first name and state is all i’ll post here, but i trust you kim to contact me if you would like) and
I AM SCREAMING LOUDLY, THAT YOU DON’T LET ANY MAN GET AWAY WITH THIS, THAT YOU DON’T FEEL SHAME FOR THE THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO TAKE CONTROL OF IN THE PAST, THAT YOU DON’T BLAME YOURSELF FOR ANOTHER PERSON’S ACTIONS, I AM SCREAMING WITH PLEADS THAT EVERYONE CONTINUES TO SCREAM OUT THEIR OWN STORIES, BECAUSE IF WE DON’T WE’RE LETTING THEM WIN, AND LOSERS DON’T DESERVE THAT.
-Kate,
Silence is a Murderer. It killed my sister.
I am PLEASED you are telling your story….
You can share your story anonymously thru this site: Maggie @ Violence UnSilenced
Please do it! Your story will help other women GET OUT, become Liberated from her abuser.
Thank you for sharing your story w/ me. Never stop TELLING, screaming, yelling, yelling, yelling. Xxxx
thank you. being taken seriously and knowing that someone wants me to make my voice heard helps more than i can even begin to explain. my very best to you, you are an amazing woman, seriously, amazing.
SO are YOUuuuuuuuuuuuu.
Xxx
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