When Samantha was 22 years old, she was referred to Day One by a partner organization. Through our counseling and direct services, we helped her leave her abusive relationship and land on her feet. Today, she is a life coach, advocate, and soon to be published author. In honor of the upcoming release of Victim to Victor, we are sharing a short Q&A with Samantha as well as an excerpt from the book’s introduction.
On behalf of Day One, we’d like to congratulate Samantha on her book, and thank her for sharing her powerful story. Together, we can join forces to end intimate partner violence.
Q&A
Day One (D1): How did you first hear about Day One?
Samantha Taylor (ST): A few years ago, I immigrated to New York City from Jamaica to live with my then-husband. A little under three months after I came to the United States, the relationship took a left turn on an atrocious street called Intimate Partner Violence. I sought solace, protection, and wisdom from Safe Horizon. I was twenty-two years old and requested counseling only. Safe Horizon then referred me to Day One because of my age and request.
D1: How did working with Day One affect you?
ST: I’ve long maintained and continue to maintain that there is a strong possibility I would be dead and gone if I was not referred to Day One. I believe that before the foundation of the earth was laid, I was predestined to be joined to Day One. It has been and continues to be an integral part of my support system. To me, Day One is a mother, acceptance, strength, patience, relatability, power, kindness, a shield—it is love.
D1: Why is it important that Day One works with young people specifically?
ST: Research states that the rational part of the brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until age 25 or so. Anyone who has ever been a teen or young adult knows that those years are delicate and crucial to healthy growth and development. Day One needs to work with young people specifically because prevention is the best cure; early detection and intervention saves more lives. Teens and young adults need love, understanding, advocacy, instructions, and a safe place now more than ever.
D1: Is there anything you think people should know about Day One?
ST: The gift of life is the most precious and valuable gift given to humans. Day One saves lives… like a mother and nature, it is to be saluted and clothed with honor.
Keep reading for an excerpt of Victim to Victor, and be sure to get your copy on Amazon today.
Victim to Victor Introduction
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) formerly known as Domestic Violence (DV) is a complex epidemic, and IPV and DV are sometimes used interchangeably. This epidemic affects people from all walks of life. Country, religion, laws, money, culture, personalities, family, friends and a plethora of other factors act either as barriers or useful resources in the combat against IPV; there is no easy solution to a seemingly simple problem.
This book is the story of a survivor. It offers an in-depth look into the mind of a victim, who became a survivor.
I am a Jamaican woman who migrated to the United States of America (U. S. A). I was abused while living in the U. S. A. This book tells of the experience I had in America and how I broke free. I would have had a very different experience in many ways had I been abused in Jamaica – in some ways good and in others bad.
Based on my experience, I can speak strongly. I have vast knowledge to share on the complications of being abused by a police officer and a member of the Armed Forces, and how to exit intimate partner violence as an immigrant.
No two abusive relationships are the same. Like an illness, the symptoms might be the same, but the treatment has to be individualized to be effective, regardless of the continent you live on, the religion you practice, your financial status, and every other factor that affects you. This is an encouragement for you.
Based on my personal experiences, knowledge absorbed, lessons learned, and wisdom gained, I created a spark in a book that is intended to ignite a fire in you. This book is not intended to judge or to preach to you, but to provide help, inspiration, healing, and knowledge.
Read more in Victim to Victor: Breaking Free from Intimate Partner Violence into a life of Healing, Joy & Strength.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can call Day One on our confidential helpline at 1-800-214-4150 or text (646) 535-DAY1 (3291).
You can also click here to learn more about the steps you can take to stay safe in your relationship on your own.