Domestic Abuse Survivor's Nightmare

Deadria "Dee" Talton has gone through a lot in life. The domestic abuse survivor has gone through an ordeal that has broken many women. She tells her story with humility and honesty, all in an effort to help save the next abuse victim. "I've been there and I know what it's like," said Talton, as she recounts the years that she was with an abuser who took control over her life. "There were times when I questioned my self-worth. I almost gave up." Talton said that her faith in God held her and she knew that she had to survive not just for herself, but also for her children. "They were worth more to me than anything, because I knew that I had to be here for them." she said. Even when the thought of suicide crept into her mind, she knew that her children needed her and that she couldn't fail them even when she had doubts about herself. Talton wants to warn women who are victims of domestic abuse, that it is often followed by violence and that they need to remember that no one needs to be treated the way they are in these domestic situations. She is committed to continuing to do something to help women come out of their traumatic situations. An event called "Celebrating The Queen In You" will be held October 22, 2022, 6:00 - 9:00 PM at the Mt. Zion Family Life Center to bring more awareness to domestic abuse. The theme of the event is "Celebrating The Queen In You", which Talton said came from God, when she questioned her self-worth. The event is being sponsored by Unbreakable Souls, a non-profit organization for victims of domestic abuse, to let women know that they are not alone, said Talton. "When you let someone take your soul, you might as well be dead because there is no life left in you." she said. But Dee was someone who believed in God from when she was young and that she was taught that God is always there for us. It is us that sometimes walk away from Him, which can affect all of us, especially when we are going through situations when we feel abandoned. Talton wants women to be aware of the many stages of abuse, as abuse is more than violent physical acts. There is also mental, sexual, verbal and financial abuse, all of which is meant to reduce a person to where they can feel that they are worthless. Talton wants each woman to see the queen in themselves, a woman that projects strength within herself and shows it on the outside. Dee, as she is known by everyone, has come a long way, as she is celebrating 13 years as a survivor of domestic abuse. It was very difficult, she says, as she has written several books on the subject. Her first book, From Battery to Victory, chronicled her journey. She has written two more on the subject in a trilogy setting over the years under the same title. She is looking forward to releasing another book in late December titled, Surviving Him, Sinful Secrets. The speaker for the event at Mt. Zion is Jeslyn Lewis-Matthews, someone who is also a survivor, who has the experience and knowledge to help victims of domestic abuse. The event will be held at 211 Mt. Zion Rd., Monroe, LA 71202. Tickets are $20.00. Dressy attire (church attire) is requested. You can contact Dee 318-547-4348, Adrian, 318-237-8227, or Edward, 318-280-8957 for more information.