Survivor Spotlight: Jennifer

Earlier this fall, VOICES member, Jennifer Moston, was featured in a ProPublica article that explored some of the challenges survivors of domestic violence experience in the Wisconsin family court system. Jennifer chose to share her story to raise awareness around these issues, advocate for fellow survivors and their children, and create change.

When asked how it felt to participate in the story and use her voice in this way, Jennifer said:

“It’s hard to retell my story and relive the experience, but it feels good knowing that by doing so, I may be able to help someone else and their children. I feel that if I use my experience to help others, at least some good can come out of it. I’m turning the situation around, and instead of burying what he did to me, I’m using it to help other women.” 

Her message to other survivors? 

“When someone is in an abusive relationship, they often feel alone, isolated, scared, and believe there is no way out. It can be difficult for someone who has never experienced domestic violence to grasp the reality, and I get asked all the time ‘why didn’t you just leave?’ I didn’t feel fully heard or understood until I went to Sojourner where I finally met a group of women who truly understand. I also worked with advocates at the Women’s Center in Waukesha, and they listened to my fears, believed me, and gave me tools and plans (rather than telling me to leave right away). I want to others to know that there are people who believe them, people who understand. They are NOT alone. We made it out, and so can they.”

Thanks for you for your courage in sharing your story to support other survivors and advocate for positive change, Jennifer!

You can read the Propublica article that features Jennifer’s story here.