Abuser Reactions after a DV "Victim Impact Panel"

1. I kind of knew what to expect upon coming to this panel but I didn't realize how it would effect me. My offense may have been the start of abuse. None-the-less I saw the correlation. I will make the choice to not only refrain from being physical but also by avoiding "vengeance" or "getting even". - Eric

2. It has been very helpful. I really feel bad for some of the speakers, especially the 2 ladies. It must be difficult for them to have the courage and strength to talk about their experiences in public and I really appreciate their time here with us tonight. It makes me want to cry, just the fact that my wife had to deal with this and that I couldn't stop myself from yelling at here. Now I can see the consequences this can have down the road if I don't learn to control the way I react when I'm mad. Thank you for this class. I vow to be a loving and giving husband and Dad. No yelling anymore. - Carlos

3. At first it was strange. But seeing the Chief Coroner, boy that was something to think about. - Luis

4. All the stories help put a lot of things in perspective. Hearing the changes people have made helps me to believe everybody can change. Having zero tolerance for abuse. Not putting myself in a vulnerable position where I may abuse anybody. - Ralph

5. It's really an eye opener. As everyone was speaking I looked around & even the Hard-Asses in the room were in awe. I think that was really brave & at the same time hard for the speakers. I learned respect for all of them. Get professional help. I don't want to hurt anyone in anger, let alone someone innocent. - Kevin

6. I feel like I've been quenched of my thirst for anger. I never thought listening could show me who I was. Read. Keep myself from repeating my problem. - Joey

7. Overall I would say the experience was very interesting as a whole. It was an intense presentation that really touched multiple points in Domestic Violence incidents. I feel that Domestic Violence is a shocking thing when you really look at many of the things that happen. I will remove myself from situations that may be triggers. I will try to be more empathetic. I will put the things that I truly value in life before anything else. - Matthew

8. I am here for a DUI. However, being a prior victim of Domestic Violence for 5 years, it was an awesome experience. Never get into a vehicle after drinking and never drink more than two alcoholic beverages. - Tiffany

9. Me & my girlfriend were fighting cause of something stupid & I got mad & I hit her. Then I hit her again. Then I went to jail for 6 months. I wish it never happened. Walking away from her when we fight about stupid stuff. - Ron

10. Very moved. I could relate to one of the speakers' stories very well. I realize now that even the smallest incidents of violence can escalate. Now that I am recovering from alcohol abuse, it would be a privilege for me to share my story at a VIP. I believe if there are more of these panel classes, the violent crime rate would drop. - John

11. I have been deeply saddened by the different horrible situation of abuse. Stories of different offenses, Domestic Assaults on children, wives, girlfriends, mostly female. An eye-opener. Very good experience. Everyone needs to hear or take pat in a class like this one. Avoid the situations, communicate, speak my feelings, take counseling classes. I've learned a lot of tools and just about myself. It's not the other person, it's about me. It's not the other person that makes me angry, it's
myself. - Leland