Many African American women have had experiences of being stereotyped or judged based on the preconceived notions of service providers. Because of the assumptions of the provider, a service or product that is available is not accepted or accessed. This book seeks to show through the experience of a survivor, how it feels to be in need of a service yet unable to attain it. This book is about being able to walk side by side with survivors of color. The goal is to reduce the barriers faced by women of color by providing a framework for understanding the role of culture in domestic and sexual violence.

"Ch ree Thomas is deeply committed and passionate to end violence against women. She is a true advocate who really gets the human rights quality of "empowerment advocacy." "

Paula Callen, MCADSV Director of Program Services and Building the Safety Net Project

"It is far beyond the time that women of color have our voices heard around the service provision and understanding of our issues regarding domestic and sexual violence. Ch ree Thomas has a clear vision and innovative ideas for women of color leadership in this work. I know this book will serve as a guide to those of us who continue to advocate for women of color who have had to manage, navigate and process the pain of being assaulted and will prove to have solutions to how women of color can heal."

Kalimah Johnson, LMSW, LCSW

Assistant Professor

Marygrove College, Detroit

Many African American women have had experiences of being stereotyped or judged based on the preconceived notions of service providers. Because of the assumptions of the provider, a service or product that is available is not accepted or accessed. This book seeks to show through the experience of a survivor, how it feels to be in need of a service yet unable to attain it. This book is about being able to walk side by side with survivors of color. The goal is to reduce the barriers faced by women of color by providing a framework for understanding the role of culture in domestic and sexual violence.

"Ch ree Thomas is deeply committed and passionate to end violence against women. She is a true advocate who really gets the human rights quality of "empowerment advocacy." "

Paula Callen, MCADSV Director of Program Services and Building the Safety Net Project

"It is far beyond the time that women of color have our voices heard around the service provision and understanding of our issues regarding domestic and sexual violence. Ch ree Thomas has a clear vision and innovative ideas for women of color leadership in this work. I know this book will serve as a guide to those of us who continue to advocate for women of color who have had to manage, navigate and process the pain of being assaulted and will prove to have solutions to how women of color can heal."

Kalimah Johnson, LMSW, LCSW

Assistant Professor

Marygrove College, Detroit