Our Story

Sound the Silence in Domestic Violence (STSIDV) was birthed from our very own personal experience, in remembrance of our beloved, Cheryl Anise Bethea, who tragically, lost her life to domestic violence, in 2014 at the hands of her abuser.

After her death, we began to share her voice by telling her story of what she experienced during her involvement in an interpersonal violence relationship. Unfortunately, to our surprise we discovered domestic violence ran rampant in our community, society, and world attached with a dirty little secret called, "silence" along with stigma, guilt, and shame.

We consider Sound the Silence in Domestic Violence to be a grassroot movement in our domestic violence community because Cheryl's voice has been so impactful for many to be courageous, to speak, and be free. She herself through her death, her fear and silence became our WHY!

Whether it is through speaking engagements or storytelling from her book, "Her Voice Beyond the Grave: A Sister's Cry to Sound the Silence in Domestic Violence," written and published by her sister,  Cheryl's story continues to resonate with many on a high frequency, in our community and around the globe. Cheryl's message is authentically heartfelt resonating with individuals affected by domestic violence or interpersonal violence that no permission is needed to chose yourself, allow yourself to be free, and/or tell your story. 

On our journey, we discovered art was therapeutic for our mental and emotional wellbeing transitioning from pieces 2 peace: the art of healing. So, in her remembrance, we choose to assist and inspire others through our experience with many forms of creativity.  As we respectfully honor survivors and individuals with dignity, in real-time involved in an interpersonal violence relationship by providing emergent needs, safe spaces for creative pathways to healing and freedom.