Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Strickland
Hi Stephanie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is one of overcoming, self-discovery, and finding my inner warrior. I am a survivor of domestic violence. Some might say that I don’t fit the mold of a victim of domestic violence, because to the outside world, my life looked perfect. But I am here to tell you that domestic violence does not discriminate. I was in my marriage for over 20 years, and during this time I endured extreme emotional, mental, physical, sexual and even financial abuse at the hands of my ex-husband. I felt completely isolated, broken, and defeated. I was a master at masking the hell I was living. I was afraid and ashamed to tell anyone what was happening in my home afraid that no one would believe me. But one evening after a huge argument, I found the courage to leave. I was no longer worried about what people thought. Once I left, I found a therapist who works with victims and survivors of abuse, and I began doing the work to heal from the trauma I had endured. To help with the healing process I journaled. It was through journaling, that I discovered my purpose and that was to become an advocate for women of domestic violence. In March of 2022, I wrote a book “Finding Peace Within”, sharing my story. In 2023 I received an award for this book. After receiving the award, I began speaking at women conferences, and on podcasts sharing my story, and letting other survivors and victims of abuse know that they are not alone and there is help. Today, I currently working on a workbook to help victims and survivors of abuse with the healing process. I continue to use my platform to bring awareness on the silent epidemic of domestic violence.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Since becoming an advocate and using my voice to bring awareness to domestic violence I have faced many obstacles. The social stigma of domestic violence causes people to be reluctant to talk about it. Often times when victims of domestic violence finally muster the courage to break the silence and report the abuse, they find themselves treated differently as a result of their disclosure. Because I choose to share my story, and not be shamed into silenced, I am constantly criticized and made to look like a villain. I have lost friendships, and at times I have felt alone.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I love and I am post proud of the work that I do as a writer, speaker and an advocate. I truly believe that I am walking in my purpose. I love being able to show other women that there is life after abuse. A life filled with peace, love and respect. Through my writing, I inspire women to after the life God has planned for them. I help them to see that their past does not define who they are or who they are to become.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
My goal is to continue using my platform to advocate for women. In the next 5-10 years I see myself still writing books that inspire women. I see my books and workbooks being used all over the world to help women of domestic violence heal, find their voice and share their stories. My goal is to help change the world’s view on domestic violence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stephaniedstrickland.com
- Instagram: @iamsdstrickland
- Facebook: @StephanieDStrick
