The Voice Behind #whenIbecamefree
Eva Marie Woywod
#WhenIBecameFree- is a freelance creative project Eva started to help provide a vehicle for survivors of abuse to share their stories, creating a domino effect of hope.
She is a survivor of child sexual assault, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Over the years she has volunteered as a domestic violence and sexual assault advocate for victims.
For the past few years Eva has provided, at no cost, workshops on how to journal to heal. She has also organized speaking events for survivors to share their story while building their confidence and creating motivational speakers that have been utilized by organizations for outreach and awareness campaigns. As a speaker herself, she realizes the power in being genuine. Eva has spoken at numerous events and to inmates in the Wisconsin prison system who were working on anger management and in domestic violence classes.
For the past decade Eva has written a blog called Thankfully Chewed Up and Spat Back Out. On it she has shared glimpses into her life, including her road of healing from abuse.
In 2009 Eva started a local organization, Lend a Hand, to help those in Juneau County experiencing a housing/financial crisis. That organization grew into a larger one now known as Circle of Hope. They provided crisis intervention when funds are available which may include providing emergency shelter for those experiencing homelessness. Eva worked 1:1 with families in crisis, including providing advocacy an resources to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
In 1999, while living in Illinois, Eva started a parent advocacy organization to help educate parents on their rights in regard to their child with disabilities/special needs. During that time she volunteered to be a special education advocate on behalf of students and their families.
In August of 2007, and while separated from her husband, Eva suffered a violent domestic violence assault in front of her children. Her estranged husband emotionally, physically, and sexually assaulted her for over an hour and in front of their two sons. The entire assault was captured in an audio recording. Charges were pressed and he was convicted of battery and 2nd-degree sexual assault in which he was sentenced to 8 years of prison and 6 years of extended supervision.
While that final assault was horrific, it catapulted her on the road to healing. She has a deep belief in Everything Happens for a Reason, and now uses her life and experiences to guide others on their own healing journey. When I Became Free is a supported by partly by private donations and sponsorships to the freelance project.
For more information you may contact Eva at:
[email protected]
.