SAN ANTONIO – The toughest phrases to mention out loud have transform crucial for Texas State Rep. Josey Garcia.
“Some of my earliest memories are of my mother being severely beaten. I would take my sister, and we would run out into the middle of the night, hide underneath trailers, hide in a ditch. We would wait for my mother’s voice to call us because that’s when we knew we were safe, and then we would run for our lives,” mentioned Garcia.
She mentioned she spent a lot of her early lifestyles operating from abuse.
“I went to 13 different schools before I hit high school,” she mentioned.
Garcia is not maintaining onto those secrets and techniques she’s saved for many years.
“I’m 46 years old, and it’s just been over the past few years that I’ve had the courage to lift up the veil of shame,” she mentioned.
Garcia has even shared her story of abuse with different legislators on all sides of the aisle. She mentioned it’s tipped the size for domestic violence-related expenses.
“Quite a few legislators that admitted to me that they would not have voted in support of a particular bill had it not been for my personal testimony,” she mentioned.
Garcia sought after others struggling to understand that revealing the reality has been freeing.
“It’s really hard to be that vulnerable and share the ugly. But it’s so rewarding to see a glimmer of hope in somebody else’s eyes,” she mentioned.
That talent to instill hope is why she agreed to be one of the principle audio system at this yr’s Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence Symposium.
People track in from in all places the rustic to listen to the newest on native domestic violence reaction and advocacy.
Garcia mentioned an impressive section of that symposium is the facility for any individual gazing to get assist.
Anyone tuning in on their telephone or laptop who wishes assist or sources could have a staff to be had and in a position to lead them.
“It’s so beautiful that you tune into this symposium, and you get moved to ask for help. You get the courage to seek help. This is the time,” Garcia mentioned.
Garcia is aware of how laborious it’s for sufferers to confess they’re struggling, however she hopes other people will really feel protected within the confines of the symposium.
“We’re still worth something, and that’s what’s been very important about my journey of sharing,” Garcia mentioned.
The 3rd annual Collaborative Commission on Domestic Violence Symposium is digital once more this yr, permitting extra other people to take part.
It runs this Thursday and Friday, October 5 and six. It’s loose to the general public, and you’ll check in at the CCDV website. The web site may also record a full schedule of audio system and classes.
Find sources for sufferers of domestic violence right here
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