Breaking the Cycle – part 2 by April Ballestero The cycle of domestic violence, as shared in part 1 of our 12 part series is an increasingly deeply personal concern, yet for many a silent killer.  The teenager’s stories shared in our media are sadly helping spread the awareness and education.  Hope is what we [...]

As one of the most under reported crimes in the United States, domestic violence has been identified as the single major cause of injury to American women, exceeding rapes, muggings, and even auto accidents combined. (Surgeon General’s Office) The law defines domestic violence as the use of force, directed toward a spouse or former spouse, a cohabitant or former cohabitant, or a person with whom the abuser has had a dating or engagement relationship. Thus, a domestic violence batterer may include any family member, including siblings, grandparents, or a roommate.

In the beginning of a relationship, there is excitement and enchantment. That certainly was the case for Yvette Cade, who told her story on The Oprah Winfrey Show. When she first met Roger Hargrave, she said he was seemed very loving and caring. Shortly after they married, Hargrave became verbally abusive. It wasn’t long before his insults led to physical abuse. Yvette worked up the courage to separate from Hargrave but that didn’t end the abuse. “I felt like a prisoner in my own home,” she told Oprah during the episode that originally aired May 3, 2006.

Fauna Hodel is the author of the autobiographical novel, One Day She’ll Darken (with J. R. Briamonte), Executive Producer of the film, Pretty Hattie’s Baby, directed by Ivan Passer, starring Alfred Woodard, Charles Dutton, Alison Elliot, Bobby Hosea, Jill Clayburg and Tess Harper. Fauna Hodel wrote and produced the theatrical presentation: Working the Dream: The Fauna Hodel Story. She was also an instrumental piece to a twenty-year puzzle that helped to solve (unofficially) the Black Dahlia case, (the murder of Elizabeth Short by Fauna’s biological father/grandfather, Dr. George Hodel), and is the subject of a documentary film to be directed by David Hughes.

Don’t be fooled by Tyler Perry’s cross dressing or comedic appearance when you pick up Medea’s Family Reunion for a night of popcorn and laughter on the couch. This outwardly comedic movie has stronger themes just beneath the surface. From the first scene the comedy is entwined with serious issues such as domestic abuse, single parenthood and family troubles.

have heard this enduring quote time and time again. It suggests that when life presents obstacles that would otherwise stifle your creativity, spirit or mere existence, combat that challenge head on. Little did writer, producer, Diana Rivera know that the words once uttered by Joan Collins would be a mantra for her day to day survival as a single parent.