LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- It's an experience many try to hide but on Monday night, the tough topic took center stage.

The "Unsilenced" discussion was held at Roots 101 Monday night. For some of these women it was an emotional experience, sharing their stories that at times meant just fighting to survive.

"It wasn't like a physical hit it was more like a push against the wall," Dawn Hale, domestic survivor said. 

Many people, from many different situations, ages and races spoke. 

"Said I wasn't a good father..," Raphael, a male domestic violence survivor, said.

"It's so isolating," Megan Shofner, domestic violence survivor, said. 

"You put yourself last a lot of times," Shahrzad Javid, domestic violence, survivor said. 

Some people shared their experiences of when they didn't think they could survive at times.

"All I remember is my 7-year-old saying 'Mommy you have to wake up,'" Hale said. Hale was in the car with her two kids when her abuser pulled up next to her, got out and shot her eight times.

"My mom was on the phone," Hale said. "She didn't actually hear the shots because I think my screams were louder. The only thing I could get my mouth to say was he shot my finger off." 

Hale and others shared their stories as October, Domestic Violence Awareness month, comes to an end.

Their stories show domestic violence abuse can not only be physical but emotional as well.

"It's so isolating you don't even know yourself," Shofner said. "You feel trapped." 

Amber Ross moderated the event. Ross is a police officer, and a survivor of an abusive relationship.

"I was like 'how can I do what I do, and I'm living this life?'" Ross said. "Behind closed doors I was sad. There were times I'd cry in my vehicle."

According to Kentucky's inaugural Statewide Domestic Violence report from in 2024, 45.3% of Kentucky women and 35.5% of Kentucky men experience domestic violence or stalking in their lifetime. 

By sharing their experiences, panelists at Monday's event, hope it makes others impacted feel less alone.

"We all deserve love that is abundantly free given and abuse is never love and no one should ever accept it," Shofner said.

The Center for Women and Families' emergency 24-hour hotline is 1-844-237-2331, and provides crisis response, emergency shelter, sexual assault services and more. 

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