The document describes the author's experience with abuse as a teenager in the 1960s when she was forced to get married and have a child. She blamed herself for the abuse, which included ultimatums, yelling, raised fists, isolation, and starvation from her controlling husband. Another section discusses how safety and survival are the most important considerations for escaping abuse, as a victim may need to leave quickly with just the clothes on their back. Contact information is provided for scheduling interviews or speaking engagements with the authors about their experiences and advice on creating exit strategies to safely escape abuse.

1. This is the face of a victim

2. This is the face of a survivor

3. My Story…An excerpt Mr. Boyfriend and I did not get along. He was an arrogant snot, just four years my senior who played my mother like a well tuned fiddle. Free food, shelter and of course an opportunity to punch or pinch me at will. A blind eye was turned - heaven forbid the boy toy dump his middle-aged paramour and take his leave. That was the first time I thought anything would be better than dying or something far worse. Back in those days, kids didn’t run away - at least not teenage girls - so I ran to a life - a life that included being pregnant, married, on welfare and of course more abuse. It was 1967 and I was 17 years old living an adult life. I blamed myself for the abuse. After all, who knew how to be the perfect wife at 17, so of course, everything I did was wrong. He controlled with ultimatums, a loud voice, raised fists, isolation and starvation.

4. This is what made the difference

5. Safety and survival…an excerpt Safety and survival are the most critical considerations when escaping abuse. If the abuser has a pattern of violent or unpredictable behavior, the victim may have to leave with little or no warning – forced to leave behind all clothing, furniture and personal belongings. First and foremost: there is NOTHING a person owns that is worth dying over – NOTHING that cannot be replaced…except their life and the lives of those they care for.

6. Contact Information To schedule and interview or a speaking engagement with Marsha Dean Walker and James E. Eastwood please contact: Marvin Parker, Media Specialist at marvin@mdeanwalkerandassociates.com To contact the authors directly: Office: 440-941-3820 E-mail: coaches@mdeanwalkerandassociates.com Web address: www.mdeanwalkerandassociates.com

7. Create an Exit Strategy Think It! Plan It! Manage It!