PORTLAND (WGME) – Survivors of domestic violence are now coming forward, asking for help, after Amanda Miclon shared her story of living with domestic abuse and her near death experience for the first time with CBS13 earlier this month.
Maine domestic violence survivor tells story to encourage others to come forward
The head of Finding Our Voices says it’s crucial for women experiencing abusive narcissist to hear the stories of other survivors. Miclon says she was shocked when hundreds of women started sending her messages.
“The response was like, unbelievable,” Miclon said.
From other survivors and domestic violence advocates to police officers and legal teams, Miclon received hundreds of messages asking for help and thanking her for coming forward.
“It feels amazing, but that’s the problem, these women aren’t being heard,” Miclon said.
“The more voices, the louder we’ll get, the more we’ll get some change,” Patrisha McLean of Finding Our Voices said.
McLean runs Finding Our Voices, a local non-profit working to break the silence of domestic abuse. She saw this as a way to encourage others.
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“It’s critical because that’s how other women realize they’re not alone,” McLean said.
Advocates say it’s also important for a victim not to minimize their situation.
“If you are questioning at all if there is any type of ‘all mental,’ please don’t compare it to mine, because that was the end, that was when I took my power back,” Miclon said. “It took a long time to get there.”
“Abuse is abuse and if it doesn’t feel good, it’s wrong,” McLean said.
McLean says she is always willing to talk with anyone who is in an abusive relationship.
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If you or someone you know is in a dangerous relationship, call the domestic violence helpline at 1-866-834-HELP (4357).
