BeLEAVEing

Are you or a loved one a victim of domestic violence? Does your partner verbally or physically abuse you? Don't become a statistic: EVERY 9 SECONDS a woman is battered by a spouse or intimate partner. Many do not realize they are actual victims of domestic violence. Others want to know how to leave safely. BeLEAVEing tells you about: • Emotional abuse─the starting point of all domestic violence • The red flags of domestic violence • Why she doesn't "just leave" • How family or friends can help victims of domestic violence • Preparing a safety plan and escape bag prior to leaving • Obtaining a Restraining Order • Safe dating to avoid abusive relationships

Are you BeLIEVing, or will you BeLEAVEing? Have you ever wished you had a small guidebook that would give you the information to recognize potential danger, safely plan an escape or know how to reach out to a friend or loved one who is a victim of domestic violence? It's here. Many people often look for a safety exit plan, how to pack an escape bag, ways to prepare to safely leave an abusive relationship. They want a quick reference of red flags pointing to a potential (or existing) environment that may lead to domestic violence. How do you care for the children? How do you train them to react when the madness breaks loose? Do you know about establishing safety code words or phrases with the children, with your family or friends? With your employer? Are you BeLIEVing you can soon BeLEAVEing? How often do victims wish they knew more about obtaining a restraining order, but are too frightened because they don't know the nuts and bolts of acquiring one? How will they pay for legal assistance? Are they aware there are free services available to those who should safely BeLEAVEing? It's in the book—in detailed, simple to understand terms. Carolyn Hennecy's second book, BeLEAVEing is nothing like her first book, ORANGE BLOSSOM WISHES: Child Molested, Woman Abused—Her Victorious Journey to Freedom, which contained her memoirs. ORANGE BLOSSOM WISHES tells Carolyn's story of being sexually molested from the age of 7 until 15. At the age of 18 she entered into an abusive marriage that started with emotional and verbal abuse, culminating in physical violence. Carolyn wanted to create a guidebook for victims and struggling survivors. BeLEAVEing is a meat and potatoes kind of book. It is the sort of book she wished had existed when she was enduring 16 years of abuse and domestic violence. It's long past time for such a book as this. Keep your eyes open. Don't wait until it's too late to BeLEAVEing. Are you or a loved one a victim of domestic violence? Does your partner verbally or physically abuse you? Don't become a statistic: EVERY 9 SECONDS a woman is battered by a spouse or intimate partner. Many do not realize they are actual victims of domestic violence. Others want to know how to leave safely. BeLEAVEing tells you about: • Emotional abuse─the starting point of all domestic violence • The red flags of domestic violence • Why she doesn't "just leave" • How family or friends can help victims of domestic violence • Preparing a safety plan and escape bag prior to leaving • Obtaining a Restraining Order • Safe dating to avoid abusive relationships

Carolyn S. Hennecy's first book, Orange Blossom Wishes: Child Molested, Woman Abused—Her Victorious Journey to Freedom, was released in 2008 in conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It shares the experiences and traumas she endured through childhood molestation and years of domestic violence as a woman. A native Floridian, she married a high school friend 50 years after they met. Between high school graduation and reconnection, there was a 39-year period they lost all contact. Theirs is truly a unique Cinderella tale. Carolyn is a mother of two adult children and Grandma to Hope, Shelby, Bella and Abbie. In 2010 Carolyn was selected as one of five women in the nation to attend the Family Justice Center Alliance International Conference in San Antonio, Texas as a survivor spokesperson. Receiving a scholarship from Verizon, Hennecy participated on a panel discussing long term support for victims of domestic/intimate partner violence. Additionally, she completed the "Gift of Presence" class in interfaith chaplaincy work, as well as the 16-hour "Nuts and Bolts" advocate training course, becoming better equipped to work in the areas of domestic violence and sexual abuse awareness. She has also earned the title of Designated Victim Services Practitioner through the Attorney General of the State of Florida. The Tampa Bay ABC affiliate, WFTS, featured Carolyn on their 2011 annual campaign, Taking Action Against Domestic Violence. Her story was the opening segment of the 1-hour prime time special, and garnered an Emmy nomination. She told her story of overcoming spousal abuse and the effects it had on her life for many years after the violence ended. Hennecy has appeared on numerous national and international television and radio programs, was featured as Extraordinary Woman in Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine and was also interviewed by CNN. Her expertise was called upon by television stations regarding high profile cases such as the Casey Anthony and Jerry Sandusky trials, and most recently two major ABC affiliates in Florida aired her interview regarding the Ray Rice expulsion by the NFL after a video was released showing a physical altercation between him and his wife, tagged "domestic violence." In addition to conducting various seminars and workshops, Hennecy has served as keynote speaker, trainer and consultant to the military, social workers, mental health counselors and law enforcement, including FBI. Carolyn spoke at the Mississippi Crime Stoppers Annual Training Conference to educators, several levels of law enforcement, judiciary and mental health workers. She was the featured speaker at the Association of Female Executives of Trinidad and Tobago's (AFETT) 2014 international conference. While there she was interviewed on First Up (Paul Richards), Morning Brew (Hema Ramkisson) and Islamic Broadcast Network television programs, as well as featured in the local newspaper, The Trinidad Express. She is scheduled to present in October 2014 with two separate groups at Fort Carson, Colorado, sharing her story at the annual luncheon and conducting a training session with staff. Known for her southern flavor and sense of humor, Carolyn's messages help restore faith, determination and the realization that each and every one of us has great value and purpose. She is living proof a victim can overcome the worst of circumstances and convert them into a tool for helping other victims become survivors. Hennecy's message says loudly, Hope is alive and well!