How One Woman Inspires Domestic Violence Survivors to Regain Their Voice
Domestic violence is a pervasive and devastating problem affecting millions worldwide. It is a traumatic experience that can leave survivors feeling powerless and voiceless. However, one Christian woman has made it her mission to inspire and empower survivors to reclaim their voices and take action against domestic violence. Her work, and faith testimony has touched the lives of many and serves as a beacon of hope for those who have suffered in silence.
Ortavia Taylor is a multifaceted woman who wears many hats- a mother, grandmother, minister, business owner of Healing and Zen Experience, and founder of Votus Voice of the Unspoken nonprofit organization. She has merged her calling as a preacher with her career as a massage therapist to provide wholeness and healing to the mind, body, and spirit via prayer, empowerment, and touch. Her life experiences have fueled her passion for helping individuals and families get beyond abuse by assisting them in rediscovering their true identity in Christ through her nonprofit.
Domestic violence is an issue that needs to be discussed more, according to Ortavia. “It’s happening frequently, and nothing is being done. They may bring it to the news, and just like that, it’s gone,” she says. Ortavia is sharing knowledge to assist people in identifying red flags, gaining the bravery to speak up, connecting them to safe spaces, and empowering them to reclaim their confidence and independence because the fear of being unable to survive keeps them stuck.
Ortavia has learned that everything that looks good is not good for you. “It is easy to overlook the red flags when you lack something for so long, and it appears with the qualities you desire. Every choice you make has a good or bad consequence,” she says.
Being in an abusive relationship and surviving shaped Ortavia’s life to be who she is today. Most people don’t make it out, and because she understood who was behind the operation, she increased her faith and prayer to discover the enemy’s strategies to defeat him and help others do the same. Ortavia was able to reclaim her purpose and walk with the courage and confidence that God intended for her to develop into the warrior that she is.
Fear, shame, and regret have paralyzed many from embracing their life purpose. Ortavia’s advice to help someone overcome this obstacle is to be bold and open. “Remember, silence and secrecy allow negative experiences to control your life.” She once lived in a prison of fear, but she allowed the promises of God to shape her path to a better future. Although she had many failures, she is on the right path with a new successful massage practice fulfilling God’s purpose in every session. Ortavia pushed through by standing on the promises of God in faith, trusting His leading every step of the way. She became intentional in her pursuit of purpose.
Ortavia Taylor’s life experiences have shaped her into a warrior for wholeness and healing. She urges us to be bold and open, “speak up and seek help, and trust in God’s promises,” she says. “Remember, you are not alone.”
