Name: Debra Nixon Bowles
Company: Women Called Moses Coalition and Outreach Inc.
Title: Founder and president
Years Active: Seven years
What inspired you to create WCM?
My passion for this cause is driven by my own personal experiences with domestic abuse in my childhood and as an adult. I am committed to helping others achieve their “Goals of Excellence” and I devote countless hours to educate and empower individuals that are affected by domestic violence.
How has your interview on Michael Baisden’s talk show helped to bring awareness to your cause?
The MBTS has allowed our cause to have a louder voice. One of the most important aspects of domestic violence awareness is getting folks to speak up and speak out against this issue.
Why is The Greater Than Tour so important?
The Greater Than Tour is so important because we are reaching a critical demographic of African American college students who are constantly bombarded with misogynistic images and references from television shows and music. It is important that we especially share with young women that domestic violence includes all types of abuse, not just physical, but mental, and emotional as well.
What advice can you share with women who are struggling to get out of an abusive relationship?
Know your abuser’s red flags by being on alert for signs and clues that your abuser is getting upset and may explode in anger or violence.
Identify safe areas of the house by knowing where to go if your abuser attacks or an argument starts. Avoid small, enclosed spaces without exits (such as closets or bathrooms) or rooms with weapons (such as the kitchen).
Come up with a code word, phrase, or signal that you can use to let your children, friends, neighbors, or co-workers know that you’re in danger and the police should be called. Make sure that you keep the car fueled up and facing the driveway exit, with the driver’s door unlocked and hide a spare car key where you can get it quickly along with emergency cash, clothing, and important phone numbers and documents. Memorize the numbers of your emergency contacts, local shelters, and domestic violence hotline.
What other projects are you working on through WCM that our readers should know about?
Currently I’m working with the STABLE Program which secures transitional assistance for professional businesswomen & executives who are victims of domestic violence. I am also working with the Hope Line which helps to donate unneeded cell phones for battered women who might need to contact emergency assistance.
For more information please visit: www.womencalledmoses.org
