HOUSTON – As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, KPRC 2 is sharing stories of survivors who have bravely escaped abusive relationships and found the strength to help others. On Wednesday, KPRC2′s Re’Chelle Turner spoke to Ronel Golden, a survivor who not only escaped domestic violence but also turned her experience into a powerful tool to guide others.
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Inspired by her journey, Ronel authored The Getting Out Guide, a comprehensive resource offering practical steps, safety planning, and emotional support for those seeking to leave dangerous situations. Her guide also provides critical advice for friends and family members on how to support their loved ones during the process, empowering victims to take control of their lives and break free from the cycle of abuse.
In an interview with KPRC2′s Rechelle Turner, Ronel shared her inspiring story of survival and resilience. She opened up about the stigma surrounding domestic violence and how it often keeps victims silent.
“When I came out of my abusive relationship, I was very ashamed. I didn’t want to tell anybody what happened. I believed that everything was my fault because that’s what my abuser made me believe,” said Ronel. “But once I realized the stigma often comes from the abuser, it helped me to break free from that shame and speak out,” she said.
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Ronel emphasized the importance of breaking down the stigma associated with domestic violence. She encourages survivors to share their stories and advises those who suspect a loved one is in an abusive situation to ask direct, supportive questions like, “Is this happening to you? I care about you, and I’m here for you,” she said.
Ronel also spoke about the importance of normalizing conversations around domestic violence to help eliminate the stigma. She explained:
“We have to normalize this. For a long time, people thought that someone with dyslexia was outside of normal society, but now we understand it’s a problem that can be dealt with. Domestic violence has a similar stigma—people think, ‘What did you do wrong? Why don’t you just leave?’ Raising awareness is key to helping people understand what victims go through.”
She also highlighted the need for more supportive environments for survivors, particularly in the workplace.
“Domestic violence has a massive economic impact in the world, and also in the U.S. Employers lose productivity when their employees are affected by domestic violence. These individuals often call in sick, struggle to concentrate, and are unable to perform their tasks due to trauma. It’s crucial for employers to address this by creating safe spaces and bringing in speakers to educate their workforce. Whether you’re an employee unsure if you’re in an abusive relationship or an employer wanting to support your team, raising awareness is vital — not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it impacts productivity.”
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For anyone currently facing domestic violence, The Getting Out Guide provides a roadmap to safety, covering everything from recognizing abuse to creating a sustainable plan for leaving. Ronel will continue to share her insights and offer guidance on how to seek help during our live broadcasts throughout the day on KPRC 2+.
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources available. We have a section on our website called Breaking Free dedicated to resources and support from the community. Golden says her guide will be available next year. You can pre-register and learn more about her story on her website.