Special Advisor to the County Executive on Women and Families Catherine Borgia left, with author and child and family advocate Letitia Gottashe
Discusses Upcoming Memoir about Intergenerational Domestic Violence with Letitia Gottashe, Author and Advocate
Watch the Interview Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV_Ee12d5cg
In the final of a series of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events, Special Advisor to the County Executive on Women and Families Catherine Borgia conducted an interview with Letitia Gottashe about her experience of intergenerational family violence, and the process of getting that experience from pen to paper.
As an author, child and family advocate and community organizer, Gottashe utilizes her personal narrative to impact and uplift others. She conducts readings and panel discussions on child abuse and domestic violence awareness and prevention in several cities in Westchester County, Connecticut, South Carolina and Texas. Her forthcoming memoir is both a testament to resilience through trauma and a call to action for healing, education and community advocacy.
Westchester County Office for Women Director Robi Schlaff said: “When we talk about domestic violence, very often we focus on the dynamic between the couple or the parents, not on the effects of that violence on the children. We also seem to separate out child abuse from domestic violence. It’s all really the same thing. Violence in a family affects all the family members, whether they are direct victims or silent witnesses. Bringing these stories out lights the path for others to come forward to share and heal.”
Borgia said: “I applaud Letitia for her bravery in telling her story and in using her personal experiences to help educate others on how to break the cycle of family violence. Domestic violence is not something that happens to other people or in other families. It happens across all cultural and socioeconomic levels, and it knows no boundaries. It causes a great deal of dysfunction in our society and we must work together to prevent it.”
Gottashe said: “My story – a 60-year journey of survival, healing and transformation – is my own, but it is universal. So many other children and families have experienced similar trauma that is buried, passed down and repeated in the next generation. I hope my words serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action, encouraging readers to confront their stories with courage and compassion, and to actively participate in the collective healing process. Together, we can drive education, inspire prevention and help decrease crimes against children and their families.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the Westchester County Office for Women at their Main Office Helpline at (914) 995-5972. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. For resources, visit their website at women.westchestergov.com.
