This conversation pushed right up against what feels comfortable for me. Since the essay (which you can read here) has recently gained wider circulation, Rachel Kramer Bussel and I thought it would be a good idea to sit down and have a chat. If it’s striking a chord, there is, unfortunately, a real reason why.
We talk about:
The myth that domestic abuse only occurs when there are bruises to show for it
What happened when I started telling people about it
The undue shame that comes from experiencing DV
How I reckon with writing personal stories about real people
And so much more.
I also talk about calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline and how pivotal that was in understanding the abuse I experienced.
If this resonates and you think your experience may be domestic violence, I highly recommend calling the hotline to speak with someone. It’s free and safe, and you can call anytime.
TheHotline.org — You can call, live chat, or text. There is also an option to chat with an AI counselor.
Thank you for being here. Even as I post this, I am working through a vulnerability hangover and the visceral fear that comes from truth-telling.
If you know someone who would benefit (or even take an ounce of courage) from listening to our conversation, please share. Let’s never stop talking about it.
Thank you Nan Tepper, Anna Cave, gretchen parlato, James Krise, Annie Bartos, and many others for tuning into my live video with Open Secrets Magazine. Seeing you there kept me grounded. ❤️ I so appreciate all of your comments and support.
Join me for my next live video in the app.
