There are people you will meet in your life for whom you’ll make an instant connection. It’s not forced. It just happens. You are drawn to their passion and sincerity. You know they want to make a difference with their words and actions. That is exactly what you will get from Stephanie Deion. She is a woman who has chosen to use her experiences to educate about abuse with transparency. She represents what individual advocacy can and should look like; proving that you don’t have to lead an organization in order to help others and serve within the community. You just have to have the right heart and intentions. It is our privilege to share with you our latest BOTG Blog Series feature on the voice and of advocacy of Stephanie Deion.
How long have you been doing what you do? “I have been advocating as a voice for victims of domestic violence since 2017.“
What made you decide to pursue this journey? “Domestic violence, to me, is a topic that has always taken a backseat to other causes. Not to take away their importance but, I’ve felt that the focus needs to shift to bring awareness to domestic violence. Sound the alarm if you will, because it is real. It is a family member or friend that’s suffering silently.”
What are some of the most gratifying parts of what you do? “When someone says thank you for sharing your story and for being transparent. Or, hearing about someone asking for information on who to contact for help.”
What are some of the most disheartening things about what you do? “When I listen to someone sharing their story and they start to cry; that pain, I can feel. They speak about their fear of facing their abuser in court, fear of retaliation, stalking or the abuser trying to get visitation or joint custody with the kids. When you know someone personally is still in that abusive relationship, the kids are involved and how that person still holds them emotionally hostage. Knowing (the abuser) still has that power/control over them.”
What main point(s) do you want the readers to take away from this article? “Make a safety plan. Seek help. It’s okay to cry about what you went through. It’s hurtful because all we did was love and trust that person with everything within us. Emotional scars outlast the physical ones. But, get reacquainted with yourself, practice self care, pamper yourself. I had to begin building back up my confidence/self esteem he tore down. I had to decide to disarm him of his power he had over me.”
How can people get in touch with you? “Email : laughingscales72@yahoo.com and Facebook Messenger: Stephanie Deion.”