Posts

Showing posts with the label Domestic Abuse

Testimony Tuesdays: Anti Domestic Violence Advocate Nicole C. Lofton Shares Her Story Of Domestic Violence/Emotional Abuse

Image
Hello Everyone, It has been a while since I have written on this blog. I just wanted to thank you all for all of your support over the years. It is because of you all that this blog still gets as many readers, comments, and support as it does. I truly cherish all of you. I want to talk about the importance of sharing our stories. I believe this is especially important for Domestic Violence Survivors because we are know to suffer in silence. The more we stay silence, the more we keep ourselves from healing and the longer we neglect to bless someone else who may be going through Domestic Violence. We overcome for sharing of our testimonies.   Yesterday, I shared my testimony is some details probably the most detailed I ever had publicly. It was very freeing and I know it will be a blessing to someone. I went live on Facebook for the first time ever. I shed light on emotional abuse as domestic violence is often viewed as only physical, but people need to understand that emotional abuse is

Domestic Violence and The Coronavirus

Image
Photo by  Alex Iby  on  Unsplash I have been contemplating writing this post because I know what I am going to discuss is serious and sensitive on many different levels. Not only is domestic violence in itself a serious topic, but the topic of the Coronavirus is a serious one at that. Both of these topics are sensitive in a sense that there are many different views and opinions on them. They also can bring about many different emotions for some people. However, before I get started, I need to have a transparent moment with my readers. It has definitely been a while since I have written a post on this blog. It was not because I gave up on raising awareness on domestic violence, it was just solely due to the trials of life. In may of 2019, I developed a health issue that affected my hands. Because of that, I couldn't really type or write as much I was use to doing. I also had personal issues that overwhelming just affected me to the point where I was just in a different space.

50 Shades Of Bruises; I am Free: A Live Monologue About Domestic Violence by Patti Ann Taylor

Image
Greetings! If you live in the Chicagoland area, you do not want to miss this powerful live monologue written by Patti Ann Taylor. Patti Taylor is the founder of nonproft entitled "The Taylor House". 50 Shades of Bruises; I am free is dedicated to Patti Taylor's aunt Pamela Ann Taylor who died of suicide after being abused for 16 years.  The monologue will be held on Wednesday, September 5th, 2018 from 6pm-10pm at Instituto Cervantes .  Tickets can be purchased on eventbrite, by clicking here  50 Shades Of Bruises Tickets . Space is limited and tickets are selling fast so let's make sure we pack the house! 

Shattering The Silence On Domestic Violence( A discussion about domestic violence) on "Ask Pastor Deb"

Image
Pastor Debra Wadlington and Nicole Lofton Hey Everyone!  On April 29th 2018, I was blessed to be a guest host on Pastor Debra Wadlington 's radio show " Ask Pastor Deb ".  Pastor Deb is a domestic violence survivor as well as a recovery coach. Coversations on the topic of domestic violence are very important because there are a lot of misconceptions on the topic. Together Pastor Deb and I touched  on some of the myths. Below is the recording, feel free to share your thoughts. Thank you all in advance for listening! Nicole Lofton  Certifid Biblical Life Coach and Founder of Faithful Deeds Foundation Nicole@faithfuldeedsfoundation.org                                             

I am a survivor ( Poem)

Image
There were so many nights I did not think I would make it to see another day but; through my pain and sorrows I made it  to see the sun once again. Life at times seemed unbearable and I did not think I deserve to be here. Once I grasped for air and took a long swallow I felt a gush of wind awaken my soul. My mind rehearsed maybe there's room for me. I began to think I was worthy once again that was up until the slap of fire burned my face. I doubted the seeds of I can make it and I fell into life of despair. Slowly feeling like life will pass me by; only if I can dream once again. Abuse stole my identity leaving me to feel like a failure as my head hung low in shame. The song that penetrated my heart "I am a survivor as I roared my way back to health". I can, I will make it became my found new friends and the road to recovery was my way back to destiny. I am healed, I am free but most of all I am a survivor"  Vernell T. Mackie (c) 2018 No part of this poem

"Home Sweet Home" A Song/Video About Domestic Violence In The UK By The Crocked Monsieurs

Image
"This original song Highlighting Domestic Violence - Recorded by the Crocked Monsieurs in support of Refuge - please take time to share this. BUY THE SONG NOW and help raise money for Refuge on iTunes http://goo.gl/f9HRS This song was inspired by conversations between a close friend of the band who was relating her own experiences of Domestic Violence to them. The song has been featured on several Radio Stations and was included on Red Dragon Records stunning compilation CD 2nd Renaissance. This video was voted video of the Month for May 2014 on Talentcast. Home Sweet Home continues to receive positive reviews over 1 year after release, Home Sweet Home the original domestic violence awareness song in support of Refuge."

30 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship(Infographic)

Image
This Infographic was made and sent to me by Law Offices of Randy Collins, I think this is a great infographic so I decided to share, if you would like to put it on your blog, website, etc please visit their site at  https://domestic-violence-law.com/30-signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship/#forward Courtesy of Law Offices Of Randy Collins

Singer/Songwriter Laura Martin Writes Song "Quiérete/Love Yourself" To Encourage Those Who Have Been Affected By Domestic Violence

Image
Today, I checked my email and to my surprise, I had an email from Laura Martin , who happens to live in Spain. One thing that I love about my blog is that I am able to reach and communicate with people all over the world. It truly is a blessing to me. I truly did not realize the impact that this blog would have on so many people including myself when I first started it. I am really humbled.  Laura Martin wrote a song called " Quierete  (Latin)" which in English means " Love Yourself ". Although the song is in Spanish, Laura has provided subtitles in English. I would encourage you to listen and share the video. It is a beautiful song.  Click below to listen.  Feel free to visit  Laura's website Laura Martin Music    or her blog Laura Martin Music Blog   to learn more about her. As always, thanks for reading! Much love and God Bless, Nicole Lofton If you would like to contact me, please email me at nicole@gardenofpurpose.com or follow me

My Baby Shot Me Down:A Film About Domestic Violence

Image
My Baby Shot Me Down Hello All! This time I am here to write to you about a film that I recently just learned about entitled My Baby Shot Me Down  When the My Baby Shot Me Down  twitter account followed me, I instantly wanted to know more about the film. It appears that the film is not out yet, but  it will be out soon. The film is by Daniella Daemy and is being made in the UK. Of course being the advocate that I am, I just had to share it with you all. I just love sharing anything that has to do with raising awareness of domestic violence. In fact, I get excited because this is a cause that is dear to not only my hear, but I know that is dears to yours as well. Although I do not know much about the film, I do know that it is about five women that seek revenge and kidnap men who I believe have committed domestic violence. Feel free to check out the IMDB page that has been created for the film here  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt5126930/ Feel free to follow the My Baby Shot

13 Year Old Nya Marquez Makes An Amazing Song "No, No More" In Order To Promote Hope and Healing To Those Affected By Domestic Violence

Image
Nya Marquez Hello, everyone! Today, I am happy to write to you about this amazing song and video that was made by 13 year old Nya Marquez . I absolutely love music and I love when it brings awareness to an important cause especially domestic violence. While on Twitter  about two months ago, I happened to come across the twitter page of Nya Marquez , in which I saw her promoting her song that she made to bring hope and healing to those affected by domestic violence. I have to say that I was and I still am very touched by Nya's song " No, No More ". I think that  it is such a beautiful song and Nya is a beautiful person inside and out. To be 13 years old spreading such an inspiring and important message is very beautiful. I hope that you are as touched and inspired, by the song and the video as I am. Please share and reach out to Nya on twitter  @nyaband and show your support for what she is doing to raise awareness for domestic violence.  Below, is the wonder

Ashton Kutcher And His Media Company A Plus Spread Awareness About Domestic Violence!

Image
I am thoroughly excited that Ashton Kutcher and his media company A Plus have decided to join the fight against domestic violence. Domestic Violence is still a cause that needs much attention and I always think it is awesome when celebrities help raise awareness. I know that ANYBODY can raise awareness, but celebrities can raise awareness on a bigger scale and so I think what Ashton Kutcher and his media team are doing is amazing.  What they have done is created an infographic that shows, in their words, "the effects of abuse that outlast physical violence, but are still detrimental". The infographic basically shows what happens after abuse and how it affects the survivor as far as their children, their employment, and their living situations go.  Infographics are great because some people are visual, meaning they need to see something in order to understand it. Not everyone can or wants to read a long paragraph or a bunch of statistics simply because it is not

Dear Survivor, It's Time To Heal

Image
Dear Survivor, I hope this message finds you at the right time in your life. It's been a while since I have wrote on this blog, but I am always grateful for all of you who still read and keep up with this particular blog. I have a very important message on my heart. It is one that God has placed on my heart this week and that message is that it is time to heal. This is only goes for you, but it  goes for me as well. It is time for us to heal and allow ourselves to be free to be ourselves again as well as to love and be loved. Now I know some people may feel like they have already healed. I felt that way too, but sometimes we are only temporarily or half way healed. The moment that we keep replaying our situation and it brings us down instead of uplifting us, that is a sign that we are not yet healed. The moment when we try to begin a new relationship or endeavor, but the memories of the past begin to haunt us and hold us back, then we are not healed yet. The moment we fee

To The Families That Are Remembering Their Loved Ones That Have Lost Their Lives To Domestic Violence

Image
To My Readers: As most of you or all of you probably know, this month is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and lately I've really had a lot on my heart. Although I haven't lost anyone to domestic violence, I am a survivor and I started to think about those who have lost someone due to domestic violence. I can't imagine how hard it is especially during this month for those families and friends who are remembering their loved ones. So while raising awareness, I did not want to neglect to send my condolences and uplift those that have lost someone due to domestic violence. Of course my words cannot take away the pain that you may feel, but hopefully my words and prayers can bring you some hope and encouragement. As a life coach, I always  like to focus on pain in purpose. It was from my painful experiences that I have found my purpose. I want to encourage you to use your pain and share it with others. Share the stories of your loves ones because you never know wh

My Thoughts on The NFL and Domestic Violence (Yes, I'm back again)

Image
It seems we meet again. I remember in 2012, when I started a petition for the NFL to wear purple for domestic violence and everybody was in an uproar. While, there were many supporters, there were many against it as well. There were even some fellow advocates against it only because it said wear purple and not what they felt that it should say, so some of them created their own petitions, which I am not against because I believe the more the merrier, but really where has it gotten us? As advocates we are still so divided amongst a cause that is suppose to be promoting togetherness. Perhaps, if we stood strong together we would be making a bigger impact. These are just my thoughts. If you want to know my reasoning behind the petition you can visit this post here:  Athletes and Domestic Violence: Why I started With The NFL First I am troubled for a number of reasons, I am troubled with the NFL specifically because even though they have changed their policies, it still may not be g

Stop Running To The Arms Of The One Who Does NOT Love You

Image
This was something that was on my heart this morning and so instead of writing, I decided to speak it. Sometimes people need to hear things and I pray that this video blesses someone. Again, thank you to all who read my blog and God bless you. -Nicole C. Lofton www.facingittoday.org www.gardenofpurpose.com

Pro-Wrestling Personality Goldy Knows Allows Domestic Violence Survivor Mary To Shine During Interview!

Image
Yesterday, something amazing happened. Before I continue on with that I want to again say a huge THANK YOU to all my readers, you are the reason why I continue to write. The best thing about blogging is one never really knows who is reading and what will come from it. I started this blog because I was encouraged to start blogging. The only subject that I could think of (at first) was domestic violence and I am so glad that I did it! Anyway, back to yesterday. I received a comment on my blog from Goldy Knows . For those who do not know, Goldy knows is a pro-wrestling personality, a motivational speaker, a singer, as well as a host of other things. Goldy is really big on Charity and now has her own reality show. In the comment that Goldy left, there was link to her show and on this particular show she interviewed a domestic violence survivor named Mary. I love to help and work with anybody who is supporting this cause, In fact, I love to help and support any cause, because yo

Real Love Makes You Better, Not Worse.

Image
Yesterday, I was really thinking about some things, especially when it comes to relationships.I was thinking about how some relationships that we enter really bring us down and what we thought was love was really lust. Below is a tweet that I tweeted from my organizations account yesterday. Real love will make you better not worse — F.A.C.E. I.T. (@FACEITORG) January 1, 2014 You see, sometimes we just enter relationships that we were never meant to be in, but they also teach us a lesson. If ever you get into a relationship where you are constantly losing out on who you are then that is not the relationship for me. I find most times though that there was already some sort of insecurity that we already had that opened us to wanting to be in that particular relationship. It is important that we come to learn what true love really is. It is so easy for someone to throw the love word around without putting any meaning to it. Love is a verb, not just an emotion. Love is not just som

No Excuse For Abuse

Image
Before I get started on the subject for today's blog, I first want to thank all of my readers. You all are my inspiration. Thank you for always reading, commenting, and sharing. I believe that it is because of you that this blog was chosen and listed as one of the  Top 101 domestic violence resources on Social Work Degree.Net . I cannot tell you how much that meant to me especially to be among the top domestic violence organizations and sites that even I look up too. I haven't written in a while so I did want to update you on that and again to say thank you. Now, for the subject of today's post. I have been thinking about this topic a lot lately and it was really on my heart this morning. It is amazing to me how many excuses that I hear and read when it comes to the subject of domestic violence. So many times I read and hear that women and/or men deserved to be hit. Although we should not provoke one another to anger, violence is simply NOT the answer. Just because

A New Me Foundation, Inc. Hosts “Real Talk” Forum Fundraiser to Assist Victims of Domestic Violence

Grassroots non-for-profit, A New Me Foundation, Inc. seeks to empower women with a real talk forum hosted by Comedienne Buff Bay during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. CHICAGO, September 23,2013--A New Me Foundation, Inc. presents "Real Talk Relationship Forum" hosted by Comedienne Rashida "Buff Bay" Lucas. Comedienne "Buff Bay" has been seen on Divorce Court, R & B Divas of Atlanta, Jokes n Notes, and the Laugh Factory. The forum is Saturday October 26, 2013 from 8:00pm-11:00pm at the Epic Luxury Boutique Chicago, IL. The forum serves as a fundraiser for A New Me Foundation, Inc. to continue to provide FREE services to victims, survivors, and their families who are affected by domestic violence. The event will include raffle prizes, refreshments, cocktails, and entertainment. A New Me Foundation invites everyone to come for an opportunity to enjoy an atmosphere of fun and empowerment. A New Me Foundation, Inc. will host this forum during th

Domestic Violence and Alcohol (Guest Post)

Image
Hello Readers and Fellow Advocates, Today, I have another Guest Post. I am excited about this one and this is a topic that is dear to me but that I have not written about here.  Melissa actually takes a turn with this one because she is not talking about the batterers and alcoholism but rather how the person that is being abused uses alcoholism as a coping mechanism. This guest post comes from Mrs. Melissa Kluska. Here is a little about Melissa: Melissa currently writes for organizations such as St Jude Retreats, an alternative solution to traditional alcohol and drug rehab. As well as writing for St. Jude’s, Melissa also enjoys writing pieces that will help others on topics like health and relationships. 2 million. The amount of injuries associated with domestic violence each year, and 84% of these domestic violence victims are women . [1] Some victims of domestic abuse have stayed in an abusive relationship for years while others have been close to n