Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Taylor.
Nicole, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Recently, the #tenyearchallenge took over social media. Looking at a picture from ten years ago would not have told my true story. Ten years ago, I was enduring domestic violence at the hands of a man that claimed to love me.
For five years, I struggled to find my voice and a solid direction for my future. During the domestic violence and the rebuilding process, I was living a lie. I learned to mask the pain, hide scars, hide my moments of weakness, and how to walk on eggshells. I needed help! I could not face the journey alone.
In fact, my journey was being shared with my children, who needed me and were watching me. Often, I felt numb and that death was the only solution. I went through the arduous task of navigating the path of leaving him and rebuilding my life.
Despite me being beaten, broken and sexually assaulted. I had to look in the mirror and say, “Okay, now what?” I had to come to a place where I chose myself and my kids. I had to break the chains and not create a generational curse for my children. I also had to realize that I didn’t have to have a time frame on my healing process. That no matter how many days, weeks or years it took, it was okay.
The concept of VOW was born through this pain. Domestic violence is a silent killer that haunts families and plagues our community. Often, instances of domestic violence are not exposed until it is too late. Statistics show that one out of three women will be victims of physical or emotional abuse. Truthfully speaking, we all have a family member, a friend or a co-worker that has been impacted by domestic violence.
Today, my VOW is to be the voice of the voiceless. VOW provides resources, education, and the support needed to help eradicate domestic violence. If you are a victim, I have a message for you… tomorrow is not promised. Get the resources you need today to help yourself or help a friend.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In stepping out on faith there have been numerous hurdles. The biggest is getting people to listen. Domestic violence is typically that taboo that no one wants to talk about. However, this is a subject that we cannot afford to keep quiet about. We must get parents to start and continue the conversation with their children on the dynamics of a healthy relationship versus a toxic relationship as early as preschool. Honestly, we can’t control what happens in other people’s home, but we can teach our young boys and girls the true power of communication, respect, and values. With so many government programs shut down or inundated with other tasks, its difficult to get assistance to teach, assist, educate and teach prevention. So many people do not know where to turn, as there are limited resources, shelters and services available. Lastly, victim blaming and victim shaming (“Why didn’t she just leave?” or “She must like it” or She/he is dumb”) contributes to identifying and victims and them seeking assistance. Victim blaming, and victim shaming can work against the efforts of my organization by helping to normalize abusive behaviors.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Vision Opportunity & Work (VOW) – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Our professional and community education programs provide the awareness and education needed for community members to identify abuse and respond effectively to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and help prevent these crimes from occurring in our community. Awareness and prevention are the key to ending domestic violence. One of the things that sets VOW apart from many other organizations is that we are a faith based and offer support services to men and preventative services to help teens recognize abusive behaviors. We are trauma informed and trauma responsive.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
One of the plans for the future is to open an emergency shelter, co-parenting facility and incorporate human trafficking programs, policies and procedures to youth outreach programs and identify how domestic violence is a huge contributing factor in human trafficking. Keep a look out for our survivor’s tour in 2020.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5340 Wesleyan #6611Houston, Texas 77265
- Website: myvownow.org
- Phone: 832-377-8134
- Email: Nicoletaylor@myvownow.org
- Instagram: Myvownow
- Facebook: Myvownow
- Twitter: Myvownow
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
