Why This Project Matters

Domestic violence affects millions of people across the world, but so often, the nuances of these experiences are lost in statistics. For far too long, the stories of survivors of intimate partner violence have been silenced, marginalized, or misunderstood.

The ‘Why I Stayed’ anthology sheds light on the real stories behind the numbers.

‘Why I Stayed’ is a powerful anthology that brings together the voices of those who’ve lived through this experience, offering an unfiltered, raw look at the nuanced complexities of abuse and survival.

Our Passion Project

Curated by Taevo Publishing, a Black woman-owned company, this anthology honors the resilience and courage of survivors. Each story highlights not just the reasons they stayed, but the turning points, the challenges, and ultimately, the strength they found in their journey.

The Vision

With your help, we can publish this anthology and ensure it reaches those who need it most, providing support and a sense of solidarity.

What you’re investing in is so much more than a single book. Why I Stayed is the first part of an ongoing series dedicated to elevating the voices of survivors.

The follow-up anthology, ‘Why I Left’, will be a powerful collection of stories detailing how survivors gained the strength to leave—whether through internal resolve, external support, or a combination of both.

This is volume one of a series that will continue to give survivors a platform, with new volumes planned every year to ensure that no voice goes unheard.

Our Project Goals

With this project, we aim to raise awareness, foster healing, and spark conversations that will lead to change.

Join us in building this platform for survivors. Your contribution will not only bring the ‘Why I Stayed’ anthology to life but will also ensure that survivors can share their triumphs, struggles, and resilience for years to come.

This is more than a book—it’s a movement to uplift, educate, and inspire. By supporting this project, you’re giving survivors a platform to have their voices heard. Whether through a donation or by reserving your copy, you’re helping to change the narrative, one story at a time.

Please consider supporting the Why I Stayed anthology today. Every bit of support, whether big or small, gets us closer to publication and sharing these critical stories. Let’s make a lasting impact together!

Why Your Contribution Matters

By pre-ordering or donating, you are funding the production of this anthology, from book design to distribution. More importantly, you are helping amplify the voices of survivors and helping to create a ripple effect of awareness and change.

A Voice for the Voiceless

Reserving your copy today helps amplify the stories of survivors whose voices often go unheard. This anthology provides a safe space for individuals to share their deeply personal experiences, shining a light on the subtle realities of intimate partner violence. By supporting this project, you are helping ensure these courageous voices reach the world and inspire change.

Join a Movement of Change

By reserving your copy now, you’re not just buying a book—you’re joining a community dedicated to raising awareness and driving change. Domestic violence thrives in silence, and this anthology is a powerful tool for breaking that silence. Every copy sold represents a step toward creating a more supportive, informed, and compassionate society.

Limited First-Run Editions

Early backers will receive exclusive first-run editions, offering a unique opportunity to be a part of the project from its very beginning. These initial copies will include special acknowledgments and personal touches as a thank you for your early support. Secure your copy today to be one of the first to hold this powerful work in your hands.

Make an Immediate Impact

Your reservation directly supports the publication and production costs of this anthology. Each dollar raised brings us closer to releasing this important work into the world, allowing more survivors to share their stories and providing a resource that can spark critical conversations and actions. Don’t wait—make your impact now by reserving your copy and becoming part of this essential movement.

Where the Funds Go

Your support is what helps to make this project a reality. All contributions will go directly to:

• • Production costs: Editing, cover design, and formatting.

• • Printing: Physical copies of the anthology.

• • Marketing & Distribution: Ensuring this book gets into the hands of those who need it.
  • Domestic Violence Awareness Initiatives: A portion of proceeds will be donated to shelters and support organizations.

A Deeper Dive Into the Project

The Submission Process: Every Voice Mattered

When we opened submissions for ‘Why I Stayed’, we received a powerful and overwhelming response from survivors eager to share their stories. The decision we made next was monumental: instead of selecting seven stories as originally planned and rejecting the rest, we decided to elevate every voice that was brave enough to speak up.

That’s right—every submission is being given the chance to shine. Whether they are seasoned writers or just starting out, we are committed to nurturing these storytellers by offering further instruction during the onboarding process.

We are immensely proud to have nearly thirty voices in this anthology, each contributing to a narrative that spans the emotional and psychological spectrum of intimate partner violence.

‘Why I Stayed’ is more than just a book; it’s a platform for stories that will ripple out into the world, challenging perceptions and giving survivors a place to be seen and heard.

More Than a Collection of Stories

This anthology dives deep into the often unseen and unspoken toxic behaviors that slowly wear down a person’s mental, emotional, and spiritual foundation. These are the behaviors that society has normalized, but the stories in this book reveal the subtle, constant toll they take on a survivor.

The book is divided into three distinct sections:

• • Section One: Breaking My Mind – This section delves into behaviors and actions that break down a survivor mentally. Each story reflects the struggle to maintain a sense of self amid manipulation, control, and gaslighting.
  • Section Two: Breaking Me Emotionally – The emotional toll of intimate partner violence can be devastating. This section captures the range of feelings survivors face, from fear to isolation, shame, and guilt, and how those emotions are weaponized against them.
  • Section Three: The Breaking of My Spirit – When the mental and emotional tolls have worn a person down, their spirit is often the last to go. This section tells the stories of how abusive behaviors aim to strip away hope and resilience, breaking survivors at their core.

Each section will feature an insightful introduction by an expert psychologist to set the stage, followed by powerful stories from survivors, and closing with tips and advice from a licensed therapist, offering both healing and empowerment.

Support Our Mission

If you’re not ready to reserve a copy just yet, you can still be part of this movement by donating.

Want to support this important project right now? You can make a direct donation safely and securely by using our donate buttons.

All donations go towards production costs, empowering survivors to share their stories, donating books to non-profit organizations, and creating a resource that helps others understand and heal. Your support makes this vision possible, and every dollar counts.

Every contribution brings us one step closer to elevating more voices, publishing more stories, and reaching more survivors. Your donation, big or small, can help change lives.

Level Up To An Official Sponsor!

Join us in making a lasting impact by becoming a sponsor of the ‘Why I Stayed’ anthology. Your sponsorship is more than just a financial contribution—it’s a direct investment in changing lives, challenging stigmas, and uplifting the voices of survivors who need to be heard.

As a sponsor, you’ll be part of a movement that not only gives survivors a platform but also educates, empowers, and creates real change. Together, we can help break the cycle of abuse, one story at a time.

Be a champion for courage, healing, and hope—sign up to be a sponsor today!

Thank You For Supporting!

Thank you for taking the time to explore our mission!

The ‘Why I Stayed’ anthology is more than just a book—it’s a movement to give voice to the unheard, empower those still finding their way, and inspire humanity as a collective to take the steps needed to treat each other better.

Your support, whether through a donation, sponsorship, or reserving a copy, helps us elevate these courageous stories and continue the fight to dismantle the cycle of abuse.

Together, we can create a future where every survivor is seen, heard, and supported. Let’s make that future a reality, one story at a time.