Milwaukee-area author LaVerne Badger exemplifies compassion, vulnerability in her book on domestic violence
Andre Johnson 
Approximately eight months ago, LaVerne Badger adopted a newfound disposition on life, one that essentially gave way to her bringing some much-needed closure to her sometimes stormy, discomforting past.
“I attended a domestic abuse event and afterwards I had this overwhelming need to do something,” Badger, a domestic violence victim, told Making Headline News this week.
Consequently, Badger spoke intensely with her husband, Richard, about the developments and knowledge acquired during that domestic abuse session, all of which ultimately inspired him to encourage and support his companion as only he could.
A couple that has been married for nearly 13 years, Richard suggested that his wife start a journal as an ideal way to share of her tumultuous encounters through domestic abuse.
LaVerne, appreciative of Richard’s unyielding support and worthy viewpoints, heeded his advice.
“I started journaling about my experiences. When I started, I couldn’t stop,” LaVerne recalled.
The rest, as they say, was history.
“Before I knew it, I had written a book,” LaVerne said.
The book to which she is alluding is one that undoubtedly will leave her reading audience on the edge of its seats.
“Overcoming The Darkness: Surviving Domestic Violence” is an awe-inspiring, tear-jerking book that figures to create a national buzz now that it has officially hit the market.
PURCHASE LAVERNE’S BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Darkness-Surviving-Domestic-Violence/dp/1544093454.
Officially released last month, “Overcoming The Darkness: Surviving Domestic Violence” depicts LaVerne’s turbulent, chaotic 13-year courtship with her then-boyfriend, Darius — a make believe name for the book — whom, after comforting LaVerne through the tragic death of her mother, engaged in an array of mental and physical abuse with the very woman he claimed to love.
In essence, LaVerne’s knight in shining armor eventually had become what she deemed her nightmare.
While enduring domestic abuse, LaVerne gave birth to each of her four children by the age of 21.
Amongst the reasons that LaVerne, who resides in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, has become an advocate for speaking out against domestic violence is that she’s fully aware that such a downward trend holds no prejudice.
“My message is that domestic abuse can happen to anyone,” LaVerne explained. “I show how quickly it can go from a supportive loving relationship to being a disastrous one.”
All things considered, amongst LaVerne’s notable observations is to enlighten victims that they can conquer domestic violence without journeying through life pinning blame on themselves.
“I want my readers to understand there is light after the darkness,” said LaVerne, who admittedly lost faith in God while being victimized by domestic abuse. “Most importantly, I want people that have certain judgements against women victims that this gives them a different perspective. Victims don’t deserve to be abused.”
Interesting enough, aside from men wanting to hunt down her attacker and engage in fisticuffs, LaVerne said the feedback in the wake of her book’s recent release has been “amazing.”
“Oh my God…(people say) this was an incredible book and that the book is so descriptive,” LaVerne said. “They love the twist, but was angry and sad at the same time. Some said they couldn’t put it down and that it was an easy read but also hard to read and a remarkable story. Some felt like they were there. Men were reaching out to me because they were ready to go look for him because they couldn’t believe how another man could do this to a woman.”
Generally, it is due in large part to her keen desire to exemplify such vulnerability, coupled with her renewed faith in God and the valiant support of her family that have greatly aided LaVerne in fulfilling her divine purpose — a purpose about which she’s empowered to reach back and help others not just escape domestic violence, but to defeat it head on.
In addition, LaVerne is Founder and CEO of “LaVerne, Let’s Talk,” a public forum platform that is a spinoff from her book whereby she and others strive to change the cycle of domestic abuse one conversation at a time.
Also, LaVerne announced that a music CD, accompanied by the song, “Shadows,” has been produced exclusively for her book and is available on ITunes and Google Play (https://play.google.com/store/music/album).
“I had to bare my soul in this book,” LaVerne said. “I allowed myself to be vulnerable for all to see. It is never too late to talk about God’s grace and favor. I am grateful for my experiences because they made me into the woman I am today…mother, wife, friend, advocate, professional.”
What a difference eight months have made.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.
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