Statistics show it takes a domestic violence victim an average of 7 attempts to leave before they actually do. While I didn't ask previous guests how many attempts it took before they actually left, you've heard from their stories that it wasn't after the first incident. This series has highlighted SO many things including the fact that abuse isn't just a black eye. It's also narcissistic behavior, the need to control or limit, the degrading of your self-esteem, misogyny, threats, the imposition of fear, interrelationship rape and the list goes on. Bottom line, if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't because love shouldn't hurt even when it doesn't work. I've received so much amazing feedback, so much support to pass along to those who've shared, so much love...and I'm grateful to be a vessel.

Ironically we're closing out the series during DV Awareness month. For the season finale I invited my new friend to the mic, Assistant District Attorney, Erika Johnson, a prosecutor with the Durham DA’s Office Special Victims Unit. Erika, a fellow Eagle, earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2014 and Juris Doctor in 2017 from NCCU. She is a wife, mom of 2.5 (there's one in the oven) and an advocate for victims of Domestic Violence. She offers a  legal perspective to victim rights, expectations and resources. Erika has seen and done alot and shares some of those experiences with us. Tune in..

The Durham Crisis Response Center helpline is available 24/7 at 919–403–6562 (English) or 919–519–3735 (Español). The service is free and confidential. If you need assistance with a domestic violence protective order, call the Family Justice Center at 919–450–8970. If you are an abuser, help is also available at Pathways to Change. Erika is also helping with a presentation tomorrow (October 7th) at the  Durham Crisis Response Center (DCRC).