Linda Walls

How to get help?

If you are in a violent relationship, try to end it and seek help from your local domestic violence shelter. If the aggressor becomes violent toward you, seek help, call the police as soon as possible. Please keep in mind that no one has the right to cause physical or mental harm to you. The violent person is responsible for his or her actions. An abuser does not hit or otherwise harm you because they love you (no matter what they tell you), but rather, cause misery to you because they want to make and see you hurt.

Important phones numbers:

Reviews:

October 17, 2013,

Linda Walls brought her story of overcoming domestic violence to the Kankakee Public Library, located in the community where the tragic events of her book took place. People who knew her and her children gathered to show support as she bared her soul. Her loss is a story of survival, perseverance, and hope. Many can only imagine the pain that she experienced during this time in her life and she brought that feeling to the surface with her raw emotions. It was a very powerful evening that left people talking about it days and weeks after. We hope that by sharing her story it helps even one person in our community. Linda’s speech shows that there can be a light at the end of the tunnel; she proves that it’s possible to muster the strength to carry on and live life to the fullest after a horrific experience.

Vicki Forquer, Kankakee Public Library

Comments:

February 14, 2013

I just read your SunTimes article on the Violence Against Women Act. Thank you for keeping this issue alive.

My mom was abused for 74 years until she died last April. While her death certificate states metastatic breast cancer as the cause of death, I can say first hand it was the 41+ years my mom was abused mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually by my dad that really killed her. She had enough of the threats and the fear while going through 7 years of chemo that she gave up. I was with her at her side and I will never forget what I witnessed my entire life.

I just wanted to say thank you for writing and I am so sorry you went through a horrible life. Thank you for being an inspiration and support to others out there who have a chance. L.  A.

Februauy 14, 2013

Read your story in today's paper. My heart aches for you. Am a survivor of DV, now being battered in the courts for three years post-divorce. This is yet another subject that must be addressed before more women endure what I have. Thank you for your courage. C. M.