Reviews from Organizations, Schools & Experts
“This book is a potent, healing medicine for survivors. Drink deeply and slowly of its pages, and you will find comfort in learning that you are not alone and that it is possible to emerge from victimhood to strength, happiness and grace.”
− The Awareness Center: Jewish Coalition Against Sexual Assault/Abuse
“I read Voices of Courage – Inspiration from Survivors of Sexual Assault while waiting to catch a flight that was delayed. It kept me so engrossed that I did not notice the length of time I had waited at all! The more I read, the more I felt the empowerment that this book generates. While sexual assault is an invasion of one’s body and also life, the testimonials in Voices of Courage enlighten victims (and anyone who reads it) that life after sexual assault can be rewarding and productive. The strength and courage the victims encountered were an inspiration to me. Any victim would benefit from this book. Thank you! P.S. I would love to tell our membership about this book. Please send the link we need to add to our website and I will get on this. If there is anything I can do to promote this book, please let me know.”
- Janet Brown, Membership Director, Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault (INCASA)
“Voices of Courage gives voice to the phenomenal courage of male and female survivors of sexual violence. Their telling of what was done to them is a wake up call to the brutality of perpetrators and depth of the trauma caused when sex is used as a weapon. But the gift of this book is so much more; it is the healing from not keeping the perpetrators secret and the power in knowing no one can take away your worth or ability to help others.”
− Cordelia Anderson, Prevention Consultant, Trainer, & Speaker with Sensibilities, Inc
“If you have never heard anyone speak about the lingering torment of rape, you will be rudely awakened by the personal stories in Voices of Courage. If you are a survivor and have never spoken to anyone, this may give you the courage to start to deal with the pain it has caused and give you some great suggestions for healing.”
− Rob Rephan, Education and Prevention Specialist, Alliance Against Family Violence & Sexual Assault
“I have read many texts written by both scholars of sexual violence and victims who attempt to understand this horrible event from a socio-scientific perspective. What those tend to lack, and what this book does beautifully, is simply and honestly convey real men and women of all ages telling real stories. The effect is not only humbling, but offers a rarely seen side of rape and sexual assault: The human side, and the body of literature on the subject of sexual assault is significantly improved by the publication of this noble volume.”
− Dr. Joseph D. Diaz, Associate Professor of Sociology & Director of the Survey Research Center. Fayetteville State University, North Carolina
“Voices of Courage increases awareness of the complex issue of sexual assault. It opens the eyes of everyone trying to understand the problem, solve the problem, or support a loved one who has been victimized. Most importantly, the book will help many to make the transition from victim to survivor status.”
− Catherine Bath, Executive Director, Security On Campus, Inc.
“Voices of Courage has done exactly what it was meant to do: given a ‘voice’ to survivors of sexual trauma. Healing for survivors of sexual assault is a ‘process,’ the first step of which is finding a voice. Voices of Courage has put words where there previously were none and done it with real women and men with real stories to tell.”
− Beth-Anne Blue, PhD., Psychologist , University of Florida
“These are articulate, powerful voices of survivors among us, those who have found justice and healing in the midst of trauma. From a woman pastor who was victimized to a woman victimized by her male pastor, these stories, which are not atypical, present our faith communities with a strong challenge to open our eyes and find new ways to help make justice real in people’s lives.”
− Rev. Dr. Marie M. Fortune, Founder of FaithTrust Institute and author of Sexual Violence: the Sin Revisited
“This book is unique in that it focuses on the ultimate outcome that sexual assault can have on survivors – finding strength and knowledge that may never have been discovered or realized had the experience not occurred. While doing that, the stories still manage to avoid minimizing the challenges implicit in healing from such an experience, which is an impressive balance to find. The book would be very helpful for those exploring how they can use their own experience of trauma to end violence in our society.”
− Serena Clardie, MSW, LCSW, Aurora Sexual Assault Treatment Center
“Reading this book was so powerful. After all the research I’ve done on rape and sexual assault, I am so admirable of individuals who share their stories in order for others to be aware of this sensitive issue. I advise a group of undergraduate student volunteers in a program called REACT (Rape Educators and Contacts) who go through a 15-week training period and then serve as peer educators on campus and in our community on the topic of rape and sexual assault. I hope to incorporate some of these stories in their presentations to the campus and community in order to show the reality of this subject. I hope that others have the opportunity of reading this riveting book!”
- Amy Ricedorf, Grad Asst, Shippensburg University Women’s Center
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Discover What Readers Are Saying About Voices of Courage
“It was an incredible book. I can’t explain how much it was helpful in dealing with some personal issues. I could identify with each story in some way, shape or form. I received this book from a friend when in the middle of charging my own sexual assault and abuse. It gave me a sense of power and fulfillment that I haven’t felt in such a long time. Thank you to each person that had the courage to share their story, may it share the same light with as many survivors and their loved ones as possible and many more.”
– Laura (MO)
“The book Voices of Courage is so powerful, and to hear the voices of the survivors via CD is touching. I am a sexual abuse survivor. I was abducted, drugged and raped on June 13, 1971, at the age of 15. My mind couldn’t “go there,” so I repressed the memories for over 30 years. I went to a therapist, to deal with grief after the death of my mother. As I learned how to allow myself to feel once more, I began to have a recurring dream. It was based on an incident that I remembered, but it stopped at the same place, and I couldn’t figure out why. My therapist is trained in hypnotherapy, and we set up a session. Hypnotherapy was nothing like I thought it would be. I knew what he was saying, I knew what I was saying, but I also ‘knew’ everything. I couldn’t believe what came out of my mouth, how I was able to enter that dream again and finish it…all of it. It was amazing the details I remembered, the sights, the smells, the sounds. I even remembered the date: Sunday, June 13, 1971. The emotions came from my toes! When I got home, I was in a state of shock. I began to doubt it; maybe I had just made it up…a good imagination. I got on the internet and finally found a web site where you can find out what day of the week a date was on. Sure enough, 6/13/71 was a Sunday! I couldn’t deny it any longer. I’ve been in therapy for 2 years now, and I still have a long way to go, but I’M STILL HERE! That, in itself, is amazing. Thank you for your book. Thank you to each survivor who found the courage to tell his/her story one more time, for it is in telling our stories that we reclaim our power.”
– Mary (KS)
“So well written and described. This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions. From feelings of anger and disgust that humans can treat each other with such disregard — to feelings of hope and pride at the strength and courage of these brave authors. Their esteem and tenacity helps us all understand…God bless these courageous individuals!”
– Dan (Toledo, OH)
“As a rape survivor myself, I am so proud of all of the contributors and consider their stories and their voices to be representative of survivors everywhere. Thank you for telling our story.”
– Shannon (TN)
“A wonderful book. I loved Cheri’s chapter and Shirley’s simply touched my heart. The survivor’s words were very, very insightful — from sad to heartbreaking to exciting and empowering.”
– Kay (NV)
“I want you to know what a wonderful job you guys did putting this book together. When I was reading it, I felt like I was right there with the person feeling their pain and then in the end — their joy. Just recently, I found out that a dear friend of mine was a victim of a sexual assault crime. This weekend, I will be giving her my book in hopes that it will help her see that it wasn’t her fault. The emotions associated with any assault are so numerous. This book will help people sort out those feelings and help them to realize that it isn’t their fault. The more people that read this book, the better. I have 2 daughters (2 & 4) and when they get old enough, I am going to read them the book. I want them to know that if anything bad happens to them that it isn’t their fault — that they are not alone and that they can always talk to me about it.”
– Angie
“A book like this is long overdue.”
– Cecilia (OH)
“The day after Mike Domitrz gave his ‘Can I Kiss You?’ presentation, I went on a road-trip to visit friends. I took Voices of Courage with me and listened to the CDs on my three hour journey. Listening to each of the survivors’ stories gave more impact since each survivor told their own story using their voice.
THANK YOU to the survivors’ for providing their stories. Your stories have empowered me to seek out ways to pass along awareness about sexual assault. I will be doing a presentation in a couple months for colleagues about sexual assault awareness.
In addition, I have been in contact with the local domestic violence and sexual assault organization to volunteer. I was informed that I would be their only male volunteer, but if anyone requests to speak to a male, they would have the ability to provide this service.”
– Brian (Indiana)
“This is a great website.”
– Adele (Canada)
“I have started reading your new book Voices of Courage. I think it is absolutely wonderful what you all are doing. People have a tendency to adopt the ‘It won’t happen to me’ mindset. However, people need to be aware that this sort of thing can happen to anyone at anytime. As a survivor of sexual assault, I especially understand the need for people to get this message.”
– Kristin (MN)
“As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and as a parent of 2 teenage boys, Mike Domitrz’s first book titled May I Kiss You? was so inspiring and empowering. I could not wait for Voices of Courage to arrive. I was not disappointed. It has a different view, as it has survivors of different types of assault. But we do have a common bond — strength. The survivors in this book have done something that I strive to do, turn the crap into something good for themselves and all of us out here that seek information like a sponge seeks water. Thank you for your courage. You are awesome. Thank you, Mike, for dedicating your life to such a needed area. In strength and in peace.”
– Perri (KY)
“Voices of Courage is an inspirational account of the trials and triumphs of twelve sexual assault survivors. In this volume, survivors are given their own unique ‘voice’ through which to share their story. This ‘voice’ is wholly authentic and personal, speaking through poetry, journal entries, and brutally honest narrative. These stories capture the attention with their humanity, honesty, and vulnerability and inspire with their strength, resolve, and healing.”
– Courtnee Jensen (MN)
“Hats off to Mike for putting together such a powerful statement! The victim/survivors’ courageous stories give voice to hundreds of others who are not yet willing or are unable to speak out about their own pain and suffering. I have learned that the deepest healing has been from letting go, telling all and being of service. I know for sure I am only as sick as my secrets! Thank you so much for your accounts.”
– Jeri Elster, rape victim/survivor/activist/advocate
“I am very new to this website. I am a survivor of sexual assault. I have done a lot of grieving, and still may have more to grieve over but it’s okay. I think that I have finally made peace regarding this abuse that was done to me. I am okay, despite the pain that I have gone through because of it. I am here to say that there is hope, no matter what your circumstances are. We all can be a shining examples for those who are just having to work thru this painful stuff. I think that this is why I am so compassionate when I know someone is hurting regarding this.”
– Susan (KS)
“I read Voices of Courage and I really liked it. The messages that were produced by reading it was very powerful. I myself came to realize between reading May I Kiss You? and Voices of Courage that my first serious boyfriend actually sexually assaulted me. He never raped me but he did ‘force’ physical activity upon me. We have been completely over for almost a year now and after reading those two books, I have forgiven him and I also confronted him about it. He said he was sorry, and I told him I had already forgiven him since it was a while ago. But For me the ability to be so open and honest about it is something that I could never have done without the books. So I thank you so much for writing them and helping others realize when they are in an unhealthy relationship.
I actually shared the books with my ex-boyfriend when I told him that I forgave him for his acts. He was very interested in the information that I had told him and I gave him the website to the program. So once again thank you for making me realize that my previous relationship was unhealthy and reassuring me that there is someone out there for me that
wont treat me like that. A very grateful student
– Anonymous College Student
“Over the past four days, I attended a Peer Educating Conference in Orlando, Florida with my peer health advocacy group at my university. At the conference I decided to attend the breakout session titled “Can I Kiss You?” presented by Michael Domitrz. Not only did he bring me to tears with his empowering words, but afterwards, I picked up the book Voices of Courage. I too, have been a victim of sexual assault. I was sexually assaulted by a male co-worker and his girlfriend last summer and was too scared to tell anyone until two weeks later. At that time, I went to a police officer that I knew and we filed a report. A full investigation took place with interviews of all the people involved and the detective told me that he didn’t think that this case would make it to court.
This guy and his girlfriend are going to get away with sexually assaulting me, forcing themselves upon me, and using me as their “sex toy” for their own sick pleasure as I was passed out. I woke up a few times, but found myself so shocked and numb, I could not allow myself to move or speak. I wanted to scream, but nothing would come out. I didn’t know what was going on. And these police officers and detectives tell me there is not enough evidence! I have suffered so much and I thought that I was doing the right thing, but now I don’t even know what the right thing is even more. I thought that maybe being a Peer Educator on campus could make me feel better, which it does temporarily, but there is always that memory that never seems to go away. That nightmare that reoccurs. That one scent that reminds me of that evening, or that one voice I hear and I quickly turn thinking that it’s him or her. I used to think that in rape cases, men were the enemy, but now I don’t feel like I can trust men or women. That night has poisoned me deep within and cannot be settled legally. This book has helped me realize that there are other people out there that have suffered just as bad as me. And that it is possible to triumph over this tragedy. I cannot continue to pity myself. Now I know that the best revenge that I can bring against this guy and woman is to succeed at life. To be a healthy, strong, and successful young woman. They think that they have destroyed me and gotten away with it, but this book has shown me differently. There are ways to build yourself back up and turn out to be the one on top.”
– Anonymous College student
“Hello, I am a survivor now of 23 years soon to be 24 years. I was raped at 12 years of age; I am now 33 years old and after living through my own horrifying experience my daughter was raped at the age of thirteen. She went nine months without telling a soul. We could see pain in her eyes. Deep down knew that she had been raped but praying every night that I was wrong for having such thoughts about our daughter, made me hate myself. I began to relive my own experience of rape. This was something I was not sure I could handle. I deep down have always wanted to help others but because of fear I never got involved. My mom always said you do not talk about this to anyone. Especially since I knew what it is to go through the justice system I feared for my daughter. What I feared most was the nightmares, guilt, being ashamed and knowing what people were saying behind my back.
After we found out for sure that this happened to our daughter I felt angry at myself for not knowing for sure and allowing her to suffer in silence for so long. The cutting, nightmares, her feelings of loneliness, and the agony she suffered at school from classmates when she told that she had been raped. She tried to tell once before but because of my fear and own anxiety I chose not to hear. I hated myself every minute when we found out it was for sure that she was raped. I could no longer keep my mouth shout. I started speaking out telling our story to anyone and everyone who would listen. When I received no help from local community I decided enough was enough. Someone has to be brave enough to stand up and tell their story and I was the one to do it. I would no longer sit back and be quiet. The sleepless nights we had, the tears we shed as a family, an individuals was a hard thing to comprehend. I tried to be strong for our daughter.
I was hurt because I knew the struggle my daughter was going through and I knew it would be a long hard road back to normal. I deep down knew that the justice system would fail us. Our daughter and our family were victimized not once but twice. This made the pain even worse and harder to bear. My heart breaks when I write about or speak. We have become so active in speaking out that this has helped in our healing. Our daughter now also speaks out on this issue that is so dear to us. We want to speak out more. We are not ashamed, we are breaking the silence for those who can not speak out, and also working to do what I can to be a support person for those who need the support. Being raped is something that changes your life forever and it takes the love and support of friends and family to help a victim through her time of tragedy, and terror. There is hope for all victims and survivors.”
– Stephanie (Mother) & Melissa (Daughter)
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