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Donata: In the Mind of a Victim
In this soul-bearing book, Donata Joseph reveals why she stayed in a seven-year abusive relationship and the incident that motivated her to leave.
She talks honestly about the judgmental remarks elicited from family and friends who did not understand the emotional, familial and financial complexity of her situation or why she did not recognize herself as a victim.
In a heart-wrenching chapter, Ms. Joseph discusses the impact her abusive relationship had on her two teen daughters and young son and the ensuing parent-child conversations that changed all of their lives.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, consider recommending this book. Ms. Joseph wraps up her knowledge, wisdom and advice in a non-threatening package delivered with compassion and understanding.
She talks honestly about the judgmental remarks elicited from family and friends who did not understand the emotional, familial and financial complexity of her situation or why she did not recognize herself as a victim.
In a heart-wrenching chapter, Ms. Joseph discusses the impact her abusive relationship had on her two teen daughters and young son and the ensuing parent-child conversations that changed all of their lives.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, consider recommending this book. Ms. Joseph wraps up her knowledge, wisdom and advice in a non-threatening package delivered with compassion and understanding.
62 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2014
2 people are currently reading
356 people want to read
About the author
Donata Joseph
1Ìýbook3ÌýfollowersDonata Joseph believes in making her mark and changing lives.
In 2011, Ms. Joseph founded Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation to empower families of children with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She wanted to share her experiences, challenges and tips for raising two children diagnosed with ADHD.
In 2012, she decided to break the silence and address the escalating issue of Domestic Violence. Her blog, Behind Closed Doors, chronicled a seven-year abusive relationship. The post elicited responses from people all over the world. The Foundation sponsors events and programs that bridge the gap between mental health and healthy relationships. Through motivational speaking, youth mentoring and parenting education, she encourages, empowers and elevates individuals in all walks of life to reflect on their overall mental wellness. Prior to founding Adding Doses of Hope Daily foundation, Ms. Joseph volunteered in a variety of community settings, including nonprofit organizations, youth centers and churches.
In 2013, Ms. Joseph created DONATA, a natural skin care line that also offers skincare, nutrition and health seminars. She uses this platform to empower teens and adults to see the connection between their minds, bodies and spirits. The proceeds from DONATA help fund programs for Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation.
Ms. Joseph obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Florida International University with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis. She was a research assistant in the University's Center for Children and Families, where she focused on research and treatment of evidence-based approaches in child and adolescent mental health.
She lives in Miami, Florida with her three children.
"Use the darkness of your past to propel you to a brighter future." - Donata Joseph
In 2011, Ms. Joseph founded Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation to empower families of children with Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She wanted to share her experiences, challenges and tips for raising two children diagnosed with ADHD.
In 2012, she decided to break the silence and address the escalating issue of Domestic Violence. Her blog, Behind Closed Doors, chronicled a seven-year abusive relationship. The post elicited responses from people all over the world. The Foundation sponsors events and programs that bridge the gap between mental health and healthy relationships. Through motivational speaking, youth mentoring and parenting education, she encourages, empowers and elevates individuals in all walks of life to reflect on their overall mental wellness. Prior to founding Adding Doses of Hope Daily foundation, Ms. Joseph volunteered in a variety of community settings, including nonprofit organizations, youth centers and churches.
In 2013, Ms. Joseph created DONATA, a natural skin care line that also offers skincare, nutrition and health seminars. She uses this platform to empower teens and adults to see the connection between their minds, bodies and spirits. The proceeds from DONATA help fund programs for Adding Doses of Hope Daily Foundation.
Ms. Joseph obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Florida International University with an emphasis in Behavior Analysis. She was a research assistant in the University's Center for Children and Families, where she focused on research and treatment of evidence-based approaches in child and adolescent mental health.
She lives in Miami, Florida with her three children.
"Use the darkness of your past to propel you to a brighter future." - Donata Joseph
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 11, 2016
I commend Donata for sharing her story. She is candid in the telling of her story and the reader will be deeply affected. I admire her courage for ending her abusive marriage and I applaud her for explaining her reasons for staying so many years under the thumb of such violence. With her unabridged candor she opens the door to a sensitive, ignored and misunderstood topic.
Not only does Donata share her experience with domestic violence but she gives signs for women to be aware of a potential abuser. Statistics are noted leaving you staggered. She also includes several organizations providing aid.
This is a must read for females of all ages, learn the signals, educate yourself on the myriad of ways abuse reveals itself. Donata discusses the phases of abuse, again doling out preventative information so measures can be taken and awareness is commonplace. This is not only a story of a woman's survival but a handbook of sorts for empowerment.
The greatest gift we can give females is the gift of knowledge, empowerment and self esteem. The value of self worth is essential in the fight against domestic violence.
After I read Donata's story it occurred to me society continually asks the ignorant question of Why didn't she leave? Why does/did she stay? INSTEAD society should be asking the ABUSER Why did you hit her? How could you do that to a woman? Why didn't you get help? Why? The questions need to be answered AND directed to the ABUSER NOT THE VICTIM/SURVIVOR.
I am a survivor, albeit not anywhere on the level of Donata's situation. I was four months pregnant when I experienced my FIRST AND LAST taste of domestic violence. I walked away immediately and never returned, vowing to never be treated as such in this lifetime again. No one knew of my situation, not surprising since society assumes all is well if signs aren't obvious, stereotypes aren't fed. What goes on behind closed doors is unknown until it escalates to the point of recognition.
Once again, this is a must read, this could save a life, be the life ring someone desperately needs, this could be the answer the woman behind unsuspecting closed doors needs. Donata's story could end the torture a 16 year old girl is facing but doesn't know where or who to turn to due to fear or embarrassment. Highly highly recommend this informative and inspiring story depicting the facts and truth of domestic violence from a woman who survived seven years of hell, desperate to piece together her life and that of her son. A brutally honest voice from the mind of a victim turned survivor.
Not only does Donata share her experience with domestic violence but she gives signs for women to be aware of a potential abuser. Statistics are noted leaving you staggered. She also includes several organizations providing aid.
This is a must read for females of all ages, learn the signals, educate yourself on the myriad of ways abuse reveals itself. Donata discusses the phases of abuse, again doling out preventative information so measures can be taken and awareness is commonplace. This is not only a story of a woman's survival but a handbook of sorts for empowerment.
The greatest gift we can give females is the gift of knowledge, empowerment and self esteem. The value of self worth is essential in the fight against domestic violence.
After I read Donata's story it occurred to me society continually asks the ignorant question of Why didn't she leave? Why does/did she stay? INSTEAD society should be asking the ABUSER Why did you hit her? How could you do that to a woman? Why didn't you get help? Why? The questions need to be answered AND directed to the ABUSER NOT THE VICTIM/SURVIVOR.
I am a survivor, albeit not anywhere on the level of Donata's situation. I was four months pregnant when I experienced my FIRST AND LAST taste of domestic violence. I walked away immediately and never returned, vowing to never be treated as such in this lifetime again. No one knew of my situation, not surprising since society assumes all is well if signs aren't obvious, stereotypes aren't fed. What goes on behind closed doors is unknown until it escalates to the point of recognition.
Once again, this is a must read, this could save a life, be the life ring someone desperately needs, this could be the answer the woman behind unsuspecting closed doors needs. Donata's story could end the torture a 16 year old girl is facing but doesn't know where or who to turn to due to fear or embarrassment. Highly highly recommend this informative and inspiring story depicting the facts and truth of domestic violence from a woman who survived seven years of hell, desperate to piece together her life and that of her son. A brutally honest voice from the mind of a victim turned survivor.
December 15, 2015
Donata Joseph is an American woman who has always had a low self-esteem and this is why she waited for seven years before leaving her violent second husband. He was a very jealous and violent man, but it was only when he started to use his violence against their son that Donata found the courage to leave. She already had two daughters from her previous marriage, but the most affected by the violence was their son because he lived with them and witnessed everything. He got used to assist to the violent behavior of his father and turned into a child who didn’t respect his female schoolmates and didn’t listen to his female teachers.
Donata met her future second husband in 2003 and for the first year and a half he was a perfect gentleman. It was only during her pregnancy that he changed his attitude. Donata was already a victim of domestic violence when she married him in 2006. She didn’t want their son to live without a father and she divorced only in 2010. Two years later Donata started to write about her experience in a blog and in 2014 she finally published the short autobiographical book Donata: In the Mind of a Victim with the hope to help other people to find the courage to leave their violent partners.
Donata: In the Mind of a Victim unfortunately doesn’t follow a strict chronological order, so at the beginning it’s a little difficult to put all the pieces together, but it should be read because it’s a true story with a positive message of hope, healing and faith.
Donata met her future second husband in 2003 and for the first year and a half he was a perfect gentleman. It was only during her pregnancy that he changed his attitude. Donata was already a victim of domestic violence when she married him in 2006. She didn’t want their son to live without a father and she divorced only in 2010. Two years later Donata started to write about her experience in a blog and in 2014 she finally published the short autobiographical book Donata: In the Mind of a Victim with the hope to help other people to find the courage to leave their violent partners.
Donata: In the Mind of a Victim unfortunately doesn’t follow a strict chronological order, so at the beginning it’s a little difficult to put all the pieces together, but it should be read because it’s a true story with a positive message of hope, healing and faith.
November 27, 2014
This book is for you and any teen and women in your circle. You really don't know who in your circle is hiding Behind Closed Doors. Here is a candid book about being In the Mind of a Victim. The blog from 2012 touched the lives of many and I know this book will touch the lives of many more.
December 22, 2014
I was provided with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a deeply moving and impactful book. Donata Joseph bears her life story for all of us to read. She takes us through how she suffered from a long abusive relationship, the reasoning behind her hesitation, the stigma and taboo factors from the family and society, the financial difficulties, and above all, the influence it had on her two teenage daughters and young son. The narrative is gut-wrenching and one is able to empathise with the emotional and physical pain the author went through.
What I admire most about the book is that the author does not whine about all that happened to her. The narrative is factual, although very sorrowful. The author then takes us through how she rebuilt her shattered life and how she decided to act upon it. This is a very powerful book and would touch the core of any reader,
I recommend this book to everyone - victims and non-victims!
My rating for this book: 5 stars
This was a deeply moving and impactful book. Donata Joseph bears her life story for all of us to read. She takes us through how she suffered from a long abusive relationship, the reasoning behind her hesitation, the stigma and taboo factors from the family and society, the financial difficulties, and above all, the influence it had on her two teenage daughters and young son. The narrative is gut-wrenching and one is able to empathise with the emotional and physical pain the author went through.
What I admire most about the book is that the author does not whine about all that happened to her. The narrative is factual, although very sorrowful. The author then takes us through how she rebuilt her shattered life and how she decided to act upon it. This is a very powerful book and would touch the core of any reader,
I recommend this book to everyone - victims and non-victims!
My rating for this book: 5 stars
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