Preface

Hello. My name is Amber Lisa and I am a childhood domestic violence survivor. This is usually the part where I say something funny to deflect from the endless pain and grief contained in this statement, but I’m not going to do that today. No. Today, I am going to tell the truth. I am a survivor. What does that mean? Well, it’s like this, in my childhood, starting at birth until about age thirteen, my father did many extreme, severe and abusive things to me, my siblings and my mother. There were times when I thought I would die. But I didn’t. I survived. That is why I am a survivor. 

But, I’m more than that now. Today, I am a thrivor. (Yeah I made that word up- so what!) My point is, there is another side to every one’s survivor story. We can all overcome our past histories of trauma and abuse and lead lives that are fulfilled, and full of wonder and joy. It takes work. It is a very frightening journey, until you realize that all of that fear- isn’t real. Through the power of your own mind, you can overcome that fear, and do anything.

One of the things that I have always wanted to do was write about my experiences with domestic violence so that those who have been in the same deep dark places that I have, will know that there is hope, there is a way through and there is another side to this story.  I also want to make people aware, of the devastating effects of domestic violence not only on the women who are abused, but the men who abuse them, and the innocent victims who hurt the worst and carry the deepest scars, for years and years.  These victims are the children who grow up in homes that are more like war zones. Did you know that every day, every single day, in America, a woman is murdered by her husband or significant other? And that’s just here in America. These statistics increase drastically for the world population. Domestic Violence occurs in so many homes in America and all over the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or socio-economic status. 85% of its victims are women. Further still there are many more unseen unheard and uncounted victims of this travesty; they are children who often grow up to find themselves in the exact same tragic situation as their parents either as the victim or abuser. Domestic Violence affects everyone – not just women, but men and children as well. One of the goals of the six part Diamond Life series is to illustrate the devastating effects of Domestic Violence on the entire family.

This series began from a short story that I wrote for an introductory fiction class. I was astounded by how many young women, upon reading my story, told me that they could relate to the character Lacey Lane, felt like they had been in similar situations and did not know what to do about it.  Because I myself grew up in a home rife with domestic violence,  I almost fell right back into the cycle when I became a young woman and began to experience intimate relationships, but through God and the strength of my own will I escaped that trap. Still, I can’t ignore that so many others are trapped in these situations that lead to permanent psychological damage, and many times death. Through education, we can break the cycle.

The first book in the series is about Lacey Lane, and innocent young woman who stumbles into an incredibly dangerous situation when she unwittingly becomes deeply involved with her boyfriend Michael Jacen Forbes. Michael Jacen Forbes is a classic abuser, who engages in a variety of abusive techniques in order to gain total control over Lacey.  He isolates her, threatens her and her family members, intimidates her, emotionally abuses her, economically abuses her, sexually abuses her and will ultimately physically abuse her. Once that first blow is struck, Lacey and Michael will enter into a fatal down spiral that is commonly refereed to as the Cycles of Violence.

Eventually the cycles will end with the victim’s escape or the victim’s death. Which one will happen to Lacey? You’ll have to read the series to find out; but seriously, this isn’t just entertainment. These are life and death issues that millions of men, women and children face every single day. Will you save Lacey Lane - or at least some one like her? You can by educating yourself about the facts.

Sincerely, 

Amber Lisa

Domestic Violence Survivor

P.S.

If you are anyone you know is suffering from Domestic Violence please call

1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

U.S. Domestic Violence Hotline