Finding Oasys by April Peters

The statistics are staggering–1 in 4 women (25%) has experienced domestic violence in her lifetime! And guess what? My mom was one of those women. She was beaten, she was manipulated, she was alienated, she was dogged with horrific words. Many women never survive this brutality. But I want to make something clear! Abuse does not begin and end with the victim “under hand and foot”. It seeps into the lives of those around the abused–the children, the friends, the family. One courageous step to get out can save countless other lives!

How do I know this? Because I was saved. I’m pleased to say that my mom made her escape with us–my brother and I–when I was 7 and he was 2. She made it out, but many women never do, because of fear, intimidation, lack of resources and support. My mother’s decision to leave empowered me; it stands as an example for me of what is and is not acceptable in a relationship. It rescued me from an in-house life of abuse; from mistaking the dynamic in the house as “normal”, from mistaking emotional turmoil and manipulation as “love”. She helped me become healthier the day that she called her father, my grandfather, to come pack up her belongings and shelter her, and her children, from harm. But it took a while before I realized that I’d been a victim too! It was always my impression that I got out unscathed, that I was never abused…my mom and others were….  But I, the child, had been manipulated, emotionally scarred, verbally abused, and more. Just because we don’t see bruises, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Truth be told, the bruises are there, under the surface, and they manifest when we as adults make an attempt at relationships. Just listen to my song “Daddy Laddy”

This month–Domestic Violence Awareness Month–open your eyes and use your voice to rescue yourself or a loved one from harmful hands and destructive words. Ask yourself these questions.  

On October 21st, 2010, I will perform at Oasys Day Spa who, in collaboration with Faith and Hope, LLC  (Domestic Violence Prevention Program), is hosting a special event in honor of those whose lives have been affected by domestic violence.  From 4pm-8pm they will be offering a facial, makeup application, and chair massage for just $25! I will be singing songs from my new release, Early Bloomer. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to a local domestic violence agency that offers services to victims and survivors. Please join us for this special event as we come together and bring awareness, raise money for a good cause, and make it clear that domestic violence is no longer a secret. R.S.V.P ~ 201 728 4212

When April Peters sings, each note is tenderly touched, each word pressed with significant understanding. Her voice tips the scales as she ranges from light melodies to deep and smoky hues, drawing pictures with each tone. Affectionately called “Springtime” by a friend, April awakens dreams, hope and new life in people’s hearts and minds.

April Peters believes in love and purposeful living. Born in Philadelphia, the “city of brotherly love” she was sure of one thing — her destiny was song. It was the revelation that songs and words could remind people of how much they are loved by God that opened her heart even more to singing and writing music. During her undergraduate years, April sang for iconic women such as Jennifer Holliday, Winnie Mandela, and Attallah Shabazz. She founded a women’s outreach organization, Lilies of Lincoln, designed to support the spiritual and emotional growth for women on campus. While studying in Paris for her Master’s degree in French, April performed in lounges and restaurants, hosted open mics and sang background for local artists. She later circuited the fashion and beauty magazine world in both Paris and New York City.

© 2013, Shalena D.I.V.A. – Personal Branding| Content Marketing| Product Creation. All rights reserved.