here is the exchange we had :
Hello Mrs.Schmidt
I am a student in an international school in Turkey called BLIS (Bilkent International and Laboratory School). I am currently working on a project on Domestic Violence. Me and my classmates are currently working on the creation of a blog. We are trying to raise awareness on the issue amongst our peers and the community of our school.As you might know In Turkey domestic violence is a common problem, especially in eastern regions where there is less development.In fact there was a case recently when on a popular TVshow a woman stood up and said that she was constantly being abused by her husband but she did not know what to do and who to contact.She said she didn't know how to respond and at the same time remain a good Muslim, the show host advised her to bottle up her feelings and continue living with her husband.In Turkey four out of every ten women are abused by their husbands and recent study s have shown that 90 percent of these women don't seek help many simply because they don't know who to ask or because this kind of help is not available to them.this is why we thought that this was an important topic that our school community ( which is much isolated from this) should be aware of. So far we have started our blog and created a survey , to distribute to people in our school and also other schools.
I have read a lot about your inspirational story however I couldn't actually find a copy of your book in any of the local bookstores.We would be honored if you could visit our blog , your comments , criticisms would be much appreciated!
I was also wondering if you could take our Survey at https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVNWi1rS004OS0zRGdmOTlqWi1RWkE6MQ
We would be very interested in your Ideas on how we can raise awareness on this issue. Could you also please tell us more about yourself and your own experience with domestic violence ? How would you advise people who are going through domestic Violence , what would you tell them to do ?
with your permission we would also like to make a blog entry about you and your story/book.
Thank You !
Best Regards
Maria
Hello Maria,
Wow, lots of powerful and important questions, so I will do my best to answer. First off my book is only available via Amazon.com, I also have a link on there with my name offering an autographed copy of my book as well as an Embracelet of Hope (click HERE)
Doing what you are doing, writing a blog, sharing awareness and tools for others, but most importantly, NOT being silent is the best thing you can do to raise awareness about DV. It's the dirty little secret no one wants to talk about, but too many are effected by it. How do I talk to others about it? I carry business cards on me with my book title and website. It's a way to "break the ice" and it always amazes me how many respond with the fact they they have been or know someone who has experienced DV.
One of the foundations I'm climbing for in September (please visit www.climbforempowerment.com) does work to raise global awareness as this is a global issue. They're called "The Pixel Project", their link is on my website. They provide resources for women all around the world who need help. The other foundation is Girl Child Network Worldwide and they teach girls to become leaders in their own communities.
My book goes into more detail about my story, but I do have some info posted on my bio at my main websitewww.kathleenmschmidt.com
As for women going through it, the best thing is to listen to them, re-assure them it is NOT their fault (many get caught up in the victim blaming). I know there are many cultures with belief systems that force women to stay with their abusers, husband or not; it does not justify the abuse.
Let me know if you have any more questions and thank you for reaching out!!
~Kathleen M. Schmidt
it was so exiting to actually contact a real author !!!!
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