Taevo Publishing is proud to announce the upcoming release of Why I Stayed: An In-Depth Exploration Into the Realities of Intimate Partner Violence (ISBN 978-1-955952-17-0, May 2025). This transformative anthology gathers the voices of 25 authors from across the globe to shed light on the complex realities of staying in abusive relationships. Available for pre-order now through the Taevo Publishing website, the book will retail for $25.99.

The Why I Stayed anthology is more than a collection of stories—it is a brave, unfiltered narrative that seeks to challenge societal perceptions, build empathy, and inspire meaningful conversations around intimate partner violence (IPV). Through this anthology, survivors share the deeply personal reasons they stayed in their relationships—reasons often misunderstood or judged by outsiders. These stories reveal a range of factors, from fear and financial dependence to love and societal pressures, that make leaving far more complex than it might appear.

A Mission Rooted in Advocacy

At Taevo Publishing, our mission has always been to amplify underrepresented voices and address issues that impact marginalized communities. As a survivor-led company, this project is deeply personal to us. Our founder, Tamara Mayo, is a survivor of domestic violence herself and knows firsthand how these stories—often untold or silenced—can be a catalyst for healing and change.

“Staying is rarely a simple decision,” Tamara shares. “It’s layered with love, fear, hope, and sometimes even survival. With Why I Stayed, we want to honor these stories, not to glorify staying but to offer a deeper understanding of why it happens. By doing so, we hope to dismantle the shame survivors often face and open the door for real conversations about prevention and support.”

This anthology is just the beginning of a larger series, with plans already underway for a follow-up volume, Why I Left, which will feature survivors’ triumphant stories of leaving abusive relationships and rebuilding their lives.

A Global Effort to Highlight Universal Realities

The Why I Stayed anthology features contributions from 25 authors spanning different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. This diversity underscores the universality of IPV—it transcends borders, economic status, and societal norms. These stories are united by the shared experience of navigating the complexities of abuse, making the anthology both relatable and eye-opening for readers worldwide.

“We want readers to see themselves in these stories,” says Tamara. “Whether you’re a survivor, an advocate, or someone looking to better understand IPV, this anthology will resonate with you.”

A Catalyst for Change

Taevo Publishing believes that storytelling has the power to shift perspectives and drive action. Why I Stayed seeks to:

• Educate readers on the often-overlooked dynamics of IPV.
• Encourage empathy and understanding toward survivors.
• Promote actionable change by raising awareness of the support systems survivors need.

The anthology also highlights societal behaviors and norms that perpetuate abuse—subtle words, actions, and systems that chip away at self-worth and make leaving feel impossible. By addressing these underlying issues, Why I Stayed not only tells stories but also advocates for systemic change.

Crowdfunding Through Indiegogo

To support the production of this important project, Taevo Publishing has launched an Indiegogo campaign. Funds raised will cover key production costs, including editing, design, printing, and marketing. Supporters can choose from various reward tiers, such as Survivor’s Circle, Community Advocate, and Changemaker, each offering exclusive perks like signed copies, acknowledgment in the book, and more.

The Indiegogo campaign also invites backers to join a community committed to making a difference. Taevo Publishing is more than a publisher—we are storytellers and advocates dedicated to building a supportive network for writers and readers alike.

You can donate to the Indiegogo campaign here.

What’s Next?

The Why I Stayed anthology is scheduled for release in May 2025, with pre-orders available now through the Taevo Publishing website. For updates, pre-orders, and information on how to support the Indiegogo campaign, visit Taevo Publishing’s ‘Why I Stayed’ project page or follow us on social media.

“We are beyond excited to bring this project to life,” Tamara says. “This is not just a book; it’s a movement—a way to give voice to the silenced and create a ripple effect of understanding and change.”