Two weeks ago I was blown away by an experience I may never forget.
I facilitated an INOKA training down in Coos Bay, Oregon. INOKA is an acronym for It’s Not Okay Anymore. This is the title of a book and curriculum I co-authored with Greg Enns to empower victims of domestic violence to end the abuse, take charge of their lives and love themselves. It is used by shelters, counselors, and corrections to empower victims to get safe and stay safe and I train them to lead INOKA groups through their organizations.
INOKA trainings always zing me because it is a remarkable thing to spend a day and a half with people on the front lines of domestic violence. This particular experience went beyond that. Three of the women in the training are graduates of the INOKA program. They used to be victims. Now they are survivors. And now they are INOKA group leaders.
What brave people they are. I watched them interact with the group and do their practice session in front of us and tried to imagine them routinely being slugged and slapped and worse. It was difficult, both in terms of upset over them ever being treated that way and in terms of comprehending such a transformation.
More proof that all around us people are letting themselves happen. People like you, unfolding.
In your corner,
There are many kinds of abuse, beyond physical. Many times we don’t know we are being abused because it becomes our “normal.” If you or someone you know may be in a relationship that is emotionally, spiritually, mentally, economically, sexually, or physically abusive, the INOKA book may be helpful, as it has been to thousands of people. Click here to order.
While you’re at it, you may find our book Better Boundaries – Owning and Treasuring Your Life helpful as well.
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