Abducted from society and denied freedom for over 20 years, Buffalonian making big waves for domestic violence awareness
Imagine you were a marionette - your owner controls your every move and puts you away at the end of the night. That was Suzanne Perry's actual life for over 20 years; as she was controlled and beaten by her husband. She lived to tell, and is, loudly.
ORCHARD PARK, NY, January 08, 2011
Imagine being a marionette. Your owner controls your every move and puts you away at the end of the night, when they are done with you. That was Suzanne Perry's actual life, for over 20 years; as she was controlled, belittled and beaten by her husband. After a final break and a vow to her children to never return to father, she now speaks before colleges, organizations to share her story and explain her mission to help others where she was failed.Recently recognized, published or posted with the National Coalition against Domestic Violence, the New York State and Erie County Coalitions against Family Violence, and Domestic Violence Survivors.com, is a sad tale of isolation and forced passiveness that is classic in abusive relationships.
After taking some time to find herself, Perry tossed fear out the window a year ago when she first started sharing her story; and was answered by dozens of other stories of abuse. As she grew heavy with the prevalence of abusive relationships, and didn't know where to go with them, several had asked Perry to be their voice. Understanding many are afraid to speak up, reach out, or seek help, for fear of 'punishment,' it became Perry's mission.
She conducts speaking engagements, holds top-viewed Knol awards, is a Yahoo contributor, and writes blogs all over the internet about dating, behaviors, abusive relationships, warning signs of abusive traits, and advice on getting out and staying away from those with these traits.
"I just found out who Pearl Jam was in 2008, I was so lost," explains Perry. Since, she has painted the sheet music of a personal theme song of hers, Pearl Jam's "Alive," in her bathroom.
It is Perry's hope that when she's ready to open her non-profit, OP Music House, to the public that Pearl Jam's lead singer, Eddie Vedder, would come cut the opening day ribbon.
"There is a Facebook page for it called "Eddie Vedder to Cut the ribbon when we open, domestic violence intervention" with nearly 700 members," Perry reports.
The latest outlet to reach victims is Perry's weekly show on BlogTalkRadio called "Take the Reins" and airs Tuesdays at noon EST. The blog to promote it reads as follows:
'Perfume to Protection Order: Dating advice by Suzanne Perry
Are you in a dangerous relationship? Does your partner accuse you of flirting, cheating, or other wrongdoing? Are you nervous to make your partner angry? Wondering if what you wear is inviting the wrong type of mate? Tune in on Tuesdays at noon EST as Suzanne Perry advises on key points in dating and flags to be aware of in a partner, before it gets out of control. It could save your life.
Callers will be accepted and all topics relating to dating will be discussed. Perry stresses, "I don't endorse any women organizations, I speak out for men, too, I speak out for people, because nobody should be intimated and controlled by another."
OP Music House, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community function that (1) gives young adults access to instruments, staging and basic recording equipment while local musicans donate time to jam and provide friendship. (2) Provide support services and referrals for anyone impacted by domestic violence or abuse. We promote peace through music.