A Pictorial of the cycle Domestic Violence
This guest post was written by Jamila Choyce.
Any month in the year is an excellent time to discuss problems and solutions for domestic violence, because every month, every day, and minute women, young ladies, and teenagers are following prey to Domestic Violence and Sexually Assault. The Bay Area’s own local celebrity, Keldamuzik, has joined the debate on this explosive issue – “Saying No More!” She is an entertainer residing in Northern California. Acting and singing has been her aspirations even as a child. After attending college, working in Japan and the Caribbean, and seeking other careers opportunities, she has come full circle as a recording artist, writer, businesswoman, actress, model, television personality, and public speaker. She is known as the “Diva” on her talk show “Diva Talks Tonite“, which features a panel of guests to discuss current events ranging from fashion, health, pop culture, education, entertainment and social issues. Keldamuzik has also involved herself in working with community oriented projects that she’s developed, such as The Diva Project. This project entails public speaking and empowering young women to stay positive. Keldamuzik strives to help the world become a safer place for the next generation.
Diva takes a stand “No More”
Currently, this diva has embraced the issue of domestic violence and joined the core of the public outcry of “together we can end domestic violence and sexually assault” via nomore.org. When I asked her, why she is lending her voice to the “No More” movement she replied, “…women should not have to live their lives in harm. It’s a shame that once we fall in love with someone we latch onto them and we could see no wrong in them no matter what they do to us. This can no longer happen.” As a public figure, she feels obligated to inform and educate the public on social issues. Domestic violence is a social issue that this Diva is prepared to attack.
She further stated, “I’m in support of putting the stop to domestic violence. As women today are already facing so many challenges in society, getting physically harmed by a loved one is the worse. People should treat others the way that they want to be treated. We strive hard to raise families, take care of ourselves and inspire others. Domestic violence should not be on our timeline. We only live once! Why should we live it in fear of being physically, emotionally, verbally, and mentally abused?”
Curiously, I asked her has she ever been in an abusive relationship, she replied, “I have not, but I have had friends that have been in abusive relationships before. I support the movement, because if we do not put a stop to it now, it will continue to happen.”
She continues, “I had a friend a long time ago who was in a relationship and while she was pregnant, he would punch her in the stomach frequently and body slammed her. He hated the fact that she was pregnant and wanted her to get rid of the baby. He would run her head into the walls and dislocated her shoulder, and her stomach was messed up after having a miscarriage. After hearing that story and a few other friends’ I knew, who were in domestic violent situations, I decided to do this photo shoot to encourage those to remove themselves out of these terrible situations.”
“Now, women have to know that there are many opportunities and pathways to a supreme life – they need to just say ‘No more’ and believe!”
National Resources for BATTERED WOMEN
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Staffed 24 hours a day by trained counselors who can provide crisis assistance and information about shelters, legal advocacy, health care centers, and counseling.
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
1-800-787-3224 (TDD)
Models: Keldamuzik, Rose Henderson, & E’mari Joelle Hay
Make-up Artist: Aleena Barrow
Stylist: Jamila Choyce
Photographer: Anthony Jackson
