Dear Readers,
I hope you enjoyed reading The Sound of Silence. This book was inspired by a piece I wrote for Nevertheless We Persisted: Me Too, a special audiobook collection of essays and poems from people who are survivors of sexual discrimination and abuse.
While The Sound of Silence is fiction, there are many truths to it—not in the actual storyline per se, but reflective in our way of life. For too long, victims have been silent. Some remain quiet because of shame, others because of fear. Silence also comes from societal pressures that convince victims their story is not real, valid, or important.
I realize parts of this book were not always easy to read—just as the life of a victim is not easy to endure. I spoke to many abuse survivors while writing this book, seeking their input to ensure Gianna’s story was nothing short of authentic. While being married to a radicalized serial killer is far from reality, the story of her abuse isn’t.
The women I interviewed told me about their experiences, and I will forever be grateful to them for their brutal honesty. These brave women shared stories of put downs which, eventually, turned into full blown criticisms from their partner. Soon after, the control would start. They were questioned, had no personal space, and endured unrealistic demands. Then came the mistreatment, cruelty, and abuse. It was often so subtle, by the time it was noticed, it was too late. More often than not, the women were made to feel it was somehow their fault. The feelings of confusion, bewilderment, and fear were so powerful, they no longer recognized their way out.
During my conversations, I came to realize one very important fact. Every woman I know has been victim of harassment, abuse, or violence of some kind. I want all the women out there to know, me too.
People often say, “Why doesn’t she just leave?” The reality is, it’s not the easiest thing to do. No relationship is ever black and white. Then there are those who indirectly suggest the woman provoked an abuser by saying, “Well, what did she do?”
Trust me when I say—no woman ‘asks for it.’
For too long, victims have been told to be quiet, to feel ashamed, and are forced to shoulder the blame and suffer in silence.
This is wrong.
On average, twenty-four people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States. Nearly one in ten women in the U.S. have been raped by an intimate partner, while one in six have experienced stalking victimization in which they felt fearful or believed they or someone close to them would be harmed or killed. Those are staggering numbers.
To the strong women who shared their truths with me, thank you. I salute your bravery, resilience, and capacity to love. You are beautiful, capable, and worthy. You are magnificent and strong—and more powerful than you can imagine.
Love, Dakota
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−SAFE.
