|
Frequently Asked Questions
These are a few frequently asked questions
regarding 'Voices of Strength'. Please review these questions
before submitting any inquiries to the founder.
Thank you!
When did you begin this project?
I
started 'Voices of Strength' in March of 2006.
What major charities do you support?
50%
of the CD proceeds benefit RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National
Network). We also support SOAR (Speaking Out About Rape) by
helping with fundraiser items or speaking out in presentations.
What inspired you to use voices as
a way to speak out?
It
was something that really hadn't been done before. I personally
have a huge fear of cameras so this was sort of my way of
bringing my story out into the open in a comforting manner but I
knew I couldn't do this alone so I initiated others to take this
journey with me. There is a special kind of empowerment in
listening to the human voice. It's a very different kind of
connection. It allows us to see ourselves in a whole new light.
Have you found closure after
releasing 'Voices of Strength'?
I
have found some closure I don't think I can ever find full
closure though. By telling my story and hearing my own voice
it has given me great strength form within. Strength I never knew I
had. For the longest time my abusers were winning this inward
battle, but by telling my story even if it was just a piece of
my story, I have taken back the life that was once stolen from
me.
Where did the name
'Voices of Strength' come from?
Because we are using our voices to tell our stories and it took
an incredible amount of strength to do so, that is where the
name came from, our strength to tell.
Is Haullie's real last name Free? How
do you say your name?
Yes!
I was born Free. I get asked this question a lot actually. This is my maiden name, the name of my real
Father whom I didn't meet until I was 18 years old. But I always
had his name. I used to be made fun of a lot growing up for
having this name and I would often be called everything from
'Free Willy' to 'Free as a bird'...so I changed my name for a
while to avoid the hurt. But as the years progressed I changed
it back because there was nothing to be ashamed of. I am now
married and legally I use my married name but that is something
I keep secret so I use my maiden name Free for safety reasons.
How do I say my name? Well, it's not like (Holly) even though it
looks that way. (Hally) is how you say my name.
Can I only purchase the CD
through your web site?
Unfortunately yes. Our CD is hosted by Cafepress.com and can
only be sold through their web site. Once we have enough funds
to process and sell the CD worldwide in stores such as
Amazon.com we will definitely do so.
What other projects are you doing to
reach out to survivors?
The
Survivor Digest is a Zine I am currently working with which
includes stories, columns, artwork, poetry and creative
writing by other survivors of sexual abuse and domestic
violence. Survivors from all over the world will have a chance
to be involved, and I believe it is tremendously important to
unify our strength so I am doing this as a way to make that
dream happen.
Who composed the music for the
CD?
The
music was written and composed by Natasha Lee whom is one of the
participants of the CD. It was also produced by her husband
Shaun Lee. I am so very grateful to the both of them for their
enormous contribution to VOS.
Who designed the cover and CD
booklet art for the CD?
I did! I've been a graphic designer for years now so it's one of
my hobbies and it's also a form of expression for me kind of
like playing piano or singing or painting, so I decided to do
the design for the CD as well because it would mean more coming
from my own heart and my own vision.
What can I do to help spread the message to other
survivors about this CD?
If
you have a web site you can use one of our
banners
to host on your page or you can direct your friends to come and
visit our web site by sending them an e-mail chain and having
them spread the word to all of their friends.
Where does the other 50% of the
proceeds go to?
The
other 50% will go towards promoting the CD, web site,
Cafepress.com store fees, fundraiser item fees and small travel
expenses for speaking out events. No money made from the CD
sales goes into my pocket for personal use. All proceeds in some
way go toward helping others and maintaining fees.
What is your philosophy on life?
My
philosophy is that it's never too late for a new beginning.
Those words came to me years ago when I almost gave up
completely because I felt like a failure, I felt useless and
worn out from my healing before I learned that healing is a
process and that no matter how many times you change in this
process it's never too late to begin again whether you fall down
once or a dozen times.
Do you speak out by traveling to other cities and
locations to tell your story?
Yes!
I have traveled many times to speak out on behalf of survivors
and will keep doing so for many years to come. One of the
greatest parts about advocating is being about to make that
connection with others who share the same endeavors or who have
been in my shoes.
Where did you get the images for
the CD Booklet?
The
images were bought by my friend Vera who is a participant on the
CD. She bought them for me as a birthday gift and I decided I
should use them for the CD booklet. The images came from
istockphoto.com. Thank you Vera for your huge contribution
to VOS. (All images on the CD booklet are legally used as per
the site's request to manipulate the images first before
distributing)
Some of the recordings on the CD
sound different than others, why is that?
Some
of the tracks were recorded from people's computers and some
were recorded over the telephone. My recording for example was
recorded on my digital camera and transferred via my computer
microphone so it sounds like I'm speaking on the phone but I am
not. In a sense it gives the CD a very authentic feel knowing
that everything we recorded, we recorded on our own time in our
own homes in different corners of the world. Though they are not
all professional recordings, they still have that authentic feel
to them and sometimes you feel like you are in the same room
with the survivors who are telling their stories.
Are you a counselor?
I am
not a trained or professional counselor. I am a survivor just
like you. I still seek therapy myself. This site is meant to be
a guide for survivors and is not a substitute for professional
help.
How can I contact you?
There
is a web
form located on the web site, all questions, comments or
inquiries can be made through the form. I do not publicly post
my e-mail for safety reasons and because I get so much spam by
doing so.
Does your former step-father
(sexual abuser) know about this CD?
I'm
pretty sure he does not know about the CD and if he did I would
not care. My sexual abuser lives in the same state as me and it
took a long time for me to stop fearing this man because he has
the tendencies of being one of the most malicious and violent
men I have ever known. But I have fought that inner battle and
if he ever did find me again I would fight again until he had
nothing left in him.
Is there a copyright for 'Voices of Strength'?
Yes!
'Voices of Strength' has a copyright. The
copyright was issued in June 2006. This includes CD, logo,
quotes and web site content) All Rights Reserved.
FORM SR
was filed from the
U.S. Copyright Office,
Washington D.C. -
|
