Last year, I had the profound honour of sharing my personal journey with a remarkable group of professionals from the Guardia Civil Domestic Violence Sections of Javea and Denia, representatives from the Town Councils of Benitachell, Javea, Moraira, and Denia, and the Social Services of Marina Alta.
To stand before this compassionate and dedicated group — not as a victim, but as a survivor, a woman in her strength, and an advocate — was a deeply emotional and empowering moment.
For over three decades, I lived a reality that many still silently endure. My story is not unique — and that is exactly why it must be told. Abuse often hides behind closed doors, in the seemingly ‘normal’ homes, in the quiet tears wiped away before the school run, or in the nervous glances exchanged at the dinner table. But healing begins the moment we speak out. And meaningful change begins when we are heard.
Creating Connection Through Storytelling
From a psychological perspective, storytelling is one of our most powerful tools in trauma recovery. When a survivor shares their story in a safe and supportive environment, they are not just recounting painful memories — they are reclaiming agency. Each word spoken, each truth acknowledged, helps integrate the trauma into a coherent narrative, reducing the grip of shame and confusion.
By sharing my journey with professionals across Marina Alta, I hoped to humanize the statistics and bring light to the lived experiences behind the reports. Abuse doesn’t discriminate — it can happen to anyone, anywhere, regardless of age, nationality, or social status. And yet, the shame, stigma, and fear of not being believed often keep survivors silent for years.
A Community Response: United for Change
The response I received was incredibly validating. These professionals are on the frontline every day — protecting, supporting, investigating, and advocating — often with limited resources and emotionally demanding workloads. It was a privilege to contribute to the dialogue, not just with my experience, but also by offering insights from my ongoing work in trauma therapy and neuroscience.
I shared practical resources, trauma-informed approaches, and offered to collaborate further in training or support initiatives. Together, we are building a more coordinated and empathetic response — one that empowers victims to become survivors, and survivors to become advocates.
Raising Awareness, Supporting Others
This is more than just my story. It’s a call to action — to friends, neighbours, professionals, and policymakers. We must continue to raise awareness, provide resources, and support women and families trapped in cycles of abuse. No one should feel alone. And no one should ever be afraid to ask for help.
To those still suffering in silence: I see you. I believe you. You are not alone. Your story matters, and when the time is right, your voice will be a powerful force for change — just as mine is becoming.
Let’s continue this important work, together. For healing. For safety. For justice. For every woman, child, and family in our community.
With hope and strength,
Linda C J Turner
Therapist | Advocate | Survivor
#MarinaAlta #DomesticAbuseAwareness #TraumaRecovery #CommunitySupport #NeuroscienceHealing #EndDomesticViolence
