Jessica Patzell: Jessica is a single mom of three, domestic violence survivor, and a believer in embracing your authentic self. For over a decade Jessica hid in the shadows ashamed of her abusive marriage. She had become a complete shell of the woman she was once was and worse, no longer believed she could be. It was not until her ex-husband was sentenced to 20 years in prison that she found her way out of the shadows and rediscovered her voice. Now, three years later Jessica has dedicated her time to raising awareness for domestic violence and sharing her story in an effort to remind others they are never alone and that fear is a choice and to always choose hope.

We learned from Jessica:

*Talk to someone, anyone if you are in an abusive relationship.

*Call a hotline to get the resources and aid to move forward to a safe and healthy life.

*You have a choice to use your voice.

*Helping others, helps you.

Domestic Hotline numbers:

The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Cleveland Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center: 1-216-229-2420

Canton’s Domestic Violence Project, Inc 1-330-453-7233