Westchester County concluded its Domestic Violence Awareness Month activities with an interview featuring Letitia Gottashe, an author and advocate whose upcoming memoir explores the impact of intergenerational domestic violence. The discussion was led by Catherine Borgia, Special Advisor to the County Executive on Women and Families.
Gottashe, who works as a child and family advocate and community organizer, draws from her own experiences to promote awareness and prevention of child abuse and domestic violence. She participates in readings and panel discussions across Westchester County as well as in Connecticut, South Carolina, and Texas. Her forthcoming memoir aims to highlight resilience after trauma while encouraging education and community involvement.
Robi Schlaff, Director of the Westchester County Office for Women, addressed the broader effects of domestic violence: “When we talk about domestic violence, very often we focus on the dynamic between the couple or the parents, not on the effects of that violence on the children. We also seem to separate out child abuse from domestic violence. It’s all really the same thing. Violence in a family affects all the family members, whether they are direct victims or silent witnesses. Bringing these stories out lights the path for others to come forward to share and heal.”
Borgia recognized Gottashe’s efforts: “I applaud Letitia for her bravery in telling her story and in using her personal experiences to help educate others on how to break the cycle of family violence. Domestic violence is not something that happens to other people or in other families. It happens across all cultural and socioeconomic levels, and it knows no boundaries. It causes a great deal of dysfunction in our society and we must work together to prevent it.”
Gottashe described her motivation: “My story – a 60-year journey of survival, healing and transformation – is my own, but it is universal. So many other children and families have experienced similar trauma that is buried, passed down and repeated in the next generation. I hope my words serve as a beacon of hope and a call to action, encouraging readers to confront their stories with courage and compassion, and to actively participate in the collective healing process. Together, we can drive education, inspire prevention and help decrease crimes against children and their families.”
The interview with Gottashe can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV_Ee12d5cg.
Residents seeking assistance related to domestic violence can contact the Westchester County Office for Women through their Main Office Helpline at (914) 995-5972 or visit women.westchestergov.com for resources.
