The Trauma of Sexual and Domestic Violence

“Through part memoir, part theological reflection, and part call to education and action, Sharon Ellis Davis transparently offers her life story as one of hope, healing, and possibility. She shows how honoring the whole of one’s life, the gift of deep friendships, and love of family can pave the way for restoration to self, to others, and to God.”


—Joanne Lindstrom, McCormick Theological Seminary





“Ellis Davis reflects upon the sexual and domestic violence she experienced as a child, teen, and adult, all from men she should have had every reason to trust. She unflinchingly describes the cataclysmic impact these evils have had upon her overall well-being and boldly challenges community leaders, both spiritual and secular, to adopt appropriate collaborative and strategic responses. I strongly recommend this tome.”


—Al Miles, lead chaplain, The Queen’s Medical Center, Honolulu





“Sharon Ellis Davis uses autobiography to educate her audience about the truth and trauma of sexual and domestic violence. Hers is a painful and powerful journey shared by too many women of faith. It is a remarkable story of a remarkable woman’s strength and courage. She battles not only the abusive men in her life but also the church and herself. Reader, be aware: the truth will make you flinch before it sets you free.”


—Marie Fortune, founder, FaithTrust Institute





“A raw and lucidly vulnerable memoir of Ellis Davis’s journey of healing from the trauma of multiple experiences of sexual violence. She bravely draws back the curtains of silence, inviting us to look closely at the all-too-familiar world of sexual abuse. . . . A compelling read for victims, victim advocates, and pastoral-care practitioners seeking or needing an autobiographical account of healing in the journey toward freedom and wholeness. Ellis Davis bares her soul.”


—Mitzi J. Smith, Columbia Theological Seminary





“The Trauma of Sexual and Domestic Violence is a soul-stirring account of Sharon Ellis Davis’s personal experience. . . . Ellis Davis’s penchant for truth telling, compassion for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, and masterful storytelling inspire hope, inject humor, and bestow agency on readers who are preparing or ready to be agents of change.”


—JoAnne Marie Terrell, Chicago Theological Seminary





“Addressing domestic violence through new lens is needed now more than ever before. This jewel Sharon Ellis Davis has penned not only is a gift to the field of pastoral care in our current times but, because of its reflective narratives, also serves victims of domestic violence with compassion and sensitivity. I highly recommend this personal, pastoral, and professional work for its vulnerability, transparency, and timeliness to an issue that continues to hide in the margins of the fabric of our society.”


—Danielle J. Buhuro, executive director, Sankofa CPE Center





“This book is a history of truth by an inner child that grew up too soon. Reading the history of a grown survivor is like reliving the pain all over again with her, at the same time knowing that God is ever-present at all times. I couldn’t put the book down. I just wanted to shout, ‘You go, girlfriend.’ Strength comes from within, and strength is ‘her.’ I can’t wait for the next book of truths.”


—Patricia Ann Davenport, executive director, Our House





“A usable masterpiece. Many times, scholars from the academy write books that are helpful only for those who work in the academy. . . . Not so with Ellis Davis. She knows both sides of the street and writes in a way that those in the academy, those in the church, those in the counseling suites, and those who are trying to find a way out of the morass created by this trauma can be reached. I recommend her book highly.”


—Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor emeritus, Trinity United Church of Christ