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From thebahamasweekly.com - Arts & Culture
Dubbed a twenty-first century must read for anyone entering today’s dating arena, “It Could Happen To You” addresses unhealthy relationships, outlines red flag behaviors of potential abusers and offer helpful tips to prevent individuals from succumbing to a life of abuse. In this book Paulette Stubbs, author, shares her personal story of how God rescued her from the clutches of abuse/domestic violence. According to Stubbs, “It Could Happen To You” was inspired as a result of her experience of being physically, emotionally and financially abused from a previous marital relationship. “I lived a good life, we both had good jobs so it seemed so unlikely. I never thought that it would happen to me, but it did, and this is what led me to write this account,” she added. Reflecting on her numerous near death experiences as a result of being abused, Stubbs said, “To those who choose to accept abusive treatment or blame themselves, need to understand that what we continue to tolerate, will never change.” Stubbs noted that it is dangerous to ignore abuse of any kind, be it emotional, physical, spiritual or financial, and said, “What may begin as a push, or slap today, may ultimately end in death.” “It Could Happen To You,” she further explained, is a message of hope and healing to anyone affected (directly or indirectly) by abuse; and for those entering the dating arena, it provides them with tips on how to recognize traits of potentially abusive persons. “This book is aimed at preventing what I went through from happening to others, prevention is key, I wish someone else could have given me this information,” said Stubbs. Further encouraging Bahamians to read “It Could Happen To You,” Dr. Barrington H. Brennen, Marriage & Family Therapist & Nationally Certified Psychologist, USA, said, “I believe that this book can change lives. It is an excellent tool, from a lay person’s perspective on the dynamics of abusive relationship.” Referring to abuse as the secret killer in our Bahamian society, she noted, “many individuals within our society believe that abuse is acceptable. Individuals who endure it, usually blame themselves for the abuser’s behavior and try to change that person.” However, in her book, Stubbs emphasizes these key points, “Ignoring abuse is dangerous, You cannot change an abusive person’s behavior, You are not to blame, Get help, and Do not remain silent I you are being abused.” Stubbs noted that her decision to flee the abusive environment she endured for years was to demonstrate to her children that abuse should not be tolerated. “For my kids, walking away from that environment showed them that they are more important to me than that marriage was. It also set the standard for every other relationship they may enter, and reminds them that there is no room for disrespect or abuse, because I no longer allowed it,” she added. The official launch of ‘It Could Happen To You’ was held on Sat. Nov 14, 2009 at Chapter One Bookstore, Oakes Field. Hon. Loretta Butler Turner, Minister of State, Ministry of Labor and Social Development received the 1st autographed copy “It Could Happen To You” and brought remarks. Also in attendance were Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, Director of The Bahamas Crisis Centre, Sherika Brown, Founder of Iron Network Inc. and Dr. Sandra Fischer, Founder of Women of Essence. Paulette Stubbs serves as Deputy Head of Accounting & Operations at a leading offshore bank. She is also the founder of Heaven Help Us Literature and serves a volunteer to various youth outreach ministries and civic organizations. She added “If this book saves just one life from abuse, then what I have been through would have been worth it” Books are available locally at: Chapter One Bookstore Logos Bookstore Nassau Stationers Ltd 100% Bible Bookstore or order online at: www.itcudhappen2you@webnode.com email: itcudhappen2u@yahoo.com Article SOURCE © Copyright 2010 by thebahamasweekly.com - |
