October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will be posting and going live on my social media platforms throughout the month to share tools, resources, inspiration, education, and awareness about the known and not-so-known aspects and intersections regarding domestic abuse. I’ll also share success stories, tips on how to thrive, and how to connect with me to work with you and/or your teams/organizations as a keynote speaker, workshop presenter, or individual/group coaching options. Be sure to connect with me on my social platforms:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttqv7bRzSuW8fyMe4JCbnQ
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joycekyles
FB: https://www.facebook.com/joycelkyles/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/joycekyles/
I’m honored to be the guest speaker for this event. I was told these are extremely important topics to the Pastor and church members. It is free to attend. Let us come together and discuss ways to move from loss to living. There is strength and power that comes from unity.
Keel Avenue Baptist Church, 778 N Bellevue Blvd, Memphis, TN 38107
As we continue to recognize October as National Domestic Violence Awareness month, I am reminded of one of the single biggest questions I’m asked, Why Doesn’t She Leave? I decided to write a few of my thoughts and submit them to The Memphis Flyer. I’m pleased to share my thoughts were featured in this week’s Viewpoint section of their newspaper. I am hopeful that those who read it will find it to provide a more intimate look at the barriers individuals affected by domestic violence are facing. I also hope it inspires others to become more involved in establishing and maintaining solutions to help our brothers and sisters who need help, support, guidance and resources.
The University of Memphis recently hosted its annual Title IX Summit. Title IX is a comprehensive federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in any federally funded education program or activity. To learn more about the history of Title IX , it’s importance, compliance and more by reading here: https://www.justice.gov/crt/overview-title-ix-education-amendments-1972-20-usc-1681-et-seq
I enjoyed the opportunity to be one of the presenters. I was asked to present on the cycle of abuse. It’s important for those working with students understand the dynamics of abuse, as more and more employees are coming in contact with individuals being abused. They need to be able to recognize the signs in order to best serve their needs when issues arise. They also need to understand the mindset of those who are going through abuse. By doing so, it will help them to have a better understanding of their struggles and in some cases, help to remove certain perceptions. Students will feel more comfortable with reporting, understanding their rights and having adequate support and referrals for additional programs and services.
This weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at a monthly forum called The Mental Discussion. Hosted by Mental Health Therapist Brandy Flynn, the purpose is to bring community awareness on issues related to mental health as well as the various intersections. This month, she wanted to address the intersections between mental health and domestic violence.
While I touched on several points, the most significant one I want to share in this blog is that of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. As described by the US Dept of Veteran Affairs, PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur after a traumatic event such as war, assault or disaster. So often, many of us only think of PTSD as a condition exclusive to war veterans. Before I had a true understanding of PTSD, I made the same assumption. As I began to learn more about myself on the survivor’s side of abuse, I realized that there were certain images made me nervous to the point of hand tremors and even insomnia. There are certain movies I cannot watch and conversations for which I cannot participate. I used to think that something was wrong with me. I mean, after all, it’s just a movie or it’s just a conversation. I believed that I needed to just accept that and get over it.
PTSD is very real for anyone who has gone through a traumatic experience. It becomes active when a person is exposed to certain triggers. They are different for everyone. For some, it may be gunfire which reminds them of a traumatic experience in their lives. For others, it may be a particular genre of music. It’s important to let your doctor or counselor know if you think you may be suffering from PTSD. They will be able to discuss the signs and options for help.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I will be posting and going live on my social media platforms throughout the month to share tools, resources, inspiration, education, and awareness about the known and not-so-known aspects and intersections regarding domestic abuse. I’ll also share success stories, tips on how to thrive, and how to connect with me to work with you and/or your teams/organizations as a keynote speaker, workshop presenter, or individual/group coaching options. Be sure to connect with me on my social platforms:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCttqv7bRzSuW8fyMe4JCbnQ
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/joycekyles
FB: https://www.facebook.com/joycelkyles/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/joycekyles/
