Dayton – The Artemis Center hosted its annual “Breaking the Cycle” breakfast fundraiser on Thursday, drawing community members, donors, and advocates to hear a powerful testimony from domestic violence survivor Debra Morgan.
Survivor describes years of control
Morgan, who married her abuser at age 18, explained that the abuse was “subtle, and slowly over time,” making it difficult for her to recognize it as abuse. She said she spent her entire married life adjusting her actions to his mood, fearing that any misstep could jeopardize her safety and that of her three children.
“I was 18 and conditioned to see my abuse as normal,” Morgan said. “My safety and the safety of my children depended on it.” She described how her husband used money as a weapon, withholding her earnings and threatening to strip her of parental rights. Religion was also wielded as a tool of control, adding another layer of intimidation.
Non‑physical abuse often goes unseen
The Artemis Center, a nonprofit domestic and sexual violence resource agency serving the Dayton area, noted that while physical violence frequently makes headlines, non‑physical abuse such as financial control and psychological manipulation is far more common and under‑reported. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, 94 to 99 percent of domestic‑violence relationships involve some form of financial abuse.
Threats involving children, as Morgan experienced, are classified as psychological and emotional abuse. “He waited for an opportunity to blame more for his actions, and I waited in anxiety and fear,” she recalled.
Candy bars symbolize freedom
As a visual reminder of the freedoms Morgan was denied, candy bars were placed on tables throughout the room. She invited attendees to take a candy bar as a symbol of hope that one day survivors can enjoy simple pleasures without fear.
“As you leave today, I invite you to take a candy bar to remember the cost of freedom for survivors and the hope that one day they can eat a candy bar anywhere they want, in a place where they feel safe and supported,” Morgan said.
Community response
Event organizers highlighted the importance of recognizing all forms of abuse and encouraging community members to support victims through resources, counseling, and financial assistance. The Artemis Center continues to provide shelter, legal aid, and advocacy for survivors throughout Montgomery County.
Donors at the breakfast pledged additional funds to expand the Center’s outreach programs, emphasizing the role of faith‑based and family‑focused initiatives in breaking cycles of abuse.
Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.
