endured sexual abuse as a child before becoming a victim of spousal abuse and battering as a woman. She is now an author, outspoken survivor and committed advocate working to bring awareness regarding abuse and domestic violence. As a speaker, Carolyn informs, motivates and empowers victims and struggling survivors of abuse to see their options and potentials. She also educates and enlightens others, trying to eradicate the senseless emotional and mental damage, physical injuries, and far too often, deaths that occur as a result of abuse and domestic violence.
Domestic violence is at epidemic levels, affecting individuals in every community, regardless of age, income, education, profession, race, religion, nationality or lifestyle. Carolyn has been presenting for many years to large and small groups at such varied events as a statewide singles conference for a Florida affiliate of the Assemblies of God, and Women’s AGLOW. While speaking and fielding audience questions at numerous Barnes & Noble locations during book signings, Hennecy shared valuable information, drawing more public awareness to the suffering from abuse and domestic violence. When Carolyn speaks, she does much more than talk and quote percentages. Whenever you attend one of her events, there will be tears, yet there will be laughter. Her focus on healing and restoration becomes real as she relates her personal story of abuse, battering and attempted suicide. She helps others learn from her own experiences, and not only shares valuable statistics, but also how to prevent becoming one.
ANNOUNCEMENT: ON MAY 4, 2012, CAROLYN RECEIVED HER CERTIFICATE OF DESIGNATED VICTIM SERVICES PRACTITIONER FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA. In the past, her expertise has been in the areas of domestic/intimate partner violence, sexual assault and child abuse. Through successful completion of this course, Carolyn is now additionally equipped to assist and educate others regarding Human Trafficking, Gang Violence, Elder Abuse, Victims with Disabilities, Identity Theft, Victim Compensation and Homicide Notification.
Her book, Orange Blossom Wishes: Child Molested─Woman Abused: Her Victorious Journey to Freedom, is Carolyn’s autobiography─a bold statement of the abuse she endured, as well as how she found restoration and the power of forgiveness. Orange Blossom Wishes has been utilized by domestic abuse shelters, agencies, rape crisis interventionists, various ministries and other organizations working toward bringing public awareness to this important issue.
In 2010, Hennecy was selected by Verizon as a survivor spokesperson to attend the International Family Justice Center Conference, where she participated on a panel discussing, “Long Term Support for Domestic Violence Victims and Survivors.” In 2011, Hope Haven and Osceola County Domestic Violence Task Force welcomed her as keynote speaker for their annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month conference. She shared her story, along with information regarding the current status of our nation’s work against abuse, with representatives from the legal field, law enforcement, social case workers, and advocates, as an accredited course. ABC Action News’ opening segment featured Carolyn in their 2011 campaign, “Taking Action Against Domestic Violence.” The 1-hour yearly prime time special is highly acclaimed, having won multiple Emmys, and Carolyn’s story garnered much public attention.
Combining her gift of writing with her passion to reach others struggling with past or current abuse and/or trauma, Hennecy has developed a workshop, “WRITING THE WRONGS: Creating Voice,” teaching and enabling others to utilize the written word as their voice, giving them the capacity to express their pain, hope or confusion, while retaining the option of anonymity, as they heal.
From pulpit to podium, Carolyn Hennecy’s voice resonates the messages of recognizing the potential for and avoiding abusive relationships, developing policies within corporate and inter-faith environments for protecting the workplace or congregations from domestic violence and its potential dangers, as well as expressing the needs of victims for public understanding and awareness of domestic violence and sexual abuse. Victims and survivors are in desperate need of those who will care, listen, and act.
By sharing her personal story with zeal and southern charm, Carolyn is described as “keepin’ it real.” In her own words:
“I share my battles and victories with all the victims and struggling survivors of abuse and domestic violence as encouragement, support and to relay to you the message that there is hope, there is a way out and there is a way to empowerment. You have the right to choose the life you want to lead. Choose wisely, and live happily.
Being a support system and advocate for each of you is the passion of my life. I found the way out of the passageway of darkness. Now my life is dedicated to extending my hand as a fellow traveler, to help you realize the light coming at you in that dark tunnel of despair is not a train of destruction, rather the beacon of hope!”
Some of Carolyn’s PRESENTATIONS are:
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