“Everybody knew. But nobody said a thing.”

Screenwriter Katherine Fugate writes about the violence she experienced in her home growing up from her stepfather. Once he entered their home, he quickly began to abuse Katherine’s mother, leaving lifelong scars behind for the entire family and forcing Katherine to often take the role of parent. The violence, and Katherine’s role as caregiver, were well-known in her small town, yet everyone remained silent and no one intervened.

With recent news involving violent behavior in public arenas and mass shootings, there has been one especially common thread: many perpetrators of these crimes have histories of growing up with domestic violence. Katherine asks when is it appropriate to bring CDV/DV into the light, especially in a small town like hers, to prevent further violence.

We all have a role to play. Read more here.