The Violence Talk: Domestic Violence and Abuse Prevention and Awareness

Huntsville, AL — On September 27th, community members gathered for an evening of storytelling, healing, and empowerment at the Hidden Princess Book and Movie Retreat. The event, centered around the powerful themes of domestic violence and gun violence in impoverished communities, served as both an artistic showcase and a vital community awareness initiative.

Hosted by the Rising South Literacy School and directed by Cory Rogers, the retreat was not just a gathering—it was a movement. Featuring a 58-minute film adaptation of the book Hidden Princess: The Rebirth of Making Mary, the event provided a poignant, at times humorous, yet deeply emotional look into the realities faced by survivors of domestic violence.

“Tonight is more than a celebration—it’s a statement,” said Rogers during his opening remarks. “This kickoff is not just to bring awareness to one month out of the year. It’s meant to make a difference in somebody’s life—even if we do not know who right now.”

The film underscored the all-too-common struggles faced by those experiencing domestic violence, bringing raw truth to the screen while offering moments of levity to uplift the audience. Following the film, a brief but impactful discussion allowed attendees to reflect on the themes and share in collective empathy.

A moment of silence was observed for those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Then, in a tone that blended solemnity with celebration, attendees were invited to enjoy music, food, and the signature white carpet walk, which featured actors who have previously contributed to the Stomp the Violence initiative. These individuals have used their talents to channel healing through art—a recurring theme throughout the night.

“October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” the MC reminded the crowd, “And tonight we’re raising our voices for healing, for hope, and for safer communities. No more silence, no more suffering—stomp the violence!”

Statistics presented during the program painted a sobering picture:

• 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the U.S.

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence from a partner.

• Nearly 30% of women and 10% of men report long-term impacts from intimate partner violence.

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These numbers served as a call to action, urging the community to move beyond awareness into advocacy.

Dr. Dedra Muhammad, the visionary behind the Hidden Princess project, led a powerful presentation on the history of Making Mary, offering a chapter reveal and sharing the inspiration behind both the book and its cinematic counterpart. Her message was clear: stories heal, and storytelling is activism.

Door prizes added a festive touch to the evening, but the most lasting takeaway was the reminder that “empathy is everything.” As one speaker noted: “It’s easy to judge until you walk in someone’s shoes. Their words carry weight, born from experiences others can't comprehend.”

The Hidden Princess Book and Movie Retreat not only gave voice to survivors but also lit the path toward a safer, more compassionate future—one story, one conversation, one community at a time.

For more information on future events or to support the Stomp the Violence initiative, visit www.risingsouthliteracyschool.org.