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Episode 45: Latosha Barnes (Patricia's Place)

Mar 2, 2022

When trying to envision the bigger picture of one's life or career, the bumps and pains are not always realized on the journey of becoming an accomplished professional. Although most of us would prefer that we coast through life on easy street, the truth is that no one accomplishes anything in this world without the scars to prove it. 
 
This is the case for inspirational domestic violence advocate Latosha Barnes of Chicago, IL. The founder and director of Patricia’s Place domestic violence shelter serves Chicago’s west side and south suburban communities. She knows firsthand what it is like to endure the pain and scars of domestic violence. “My first experience with abuse occurred when I was a young girl. I experienced my mother being beaten and introduced to drugs by her ex-husband. Despite my grandmother attempting to shield me from this violence, it would not take long before I realized what was going on.” 
 
Although Latosha hoped never to endure the kind of life that her mother chose to overcome, it would not take long before her family’s history caught up with her. At the age of 20, four months after marrying her first husband and now a mother of two young children, Latosha began to experience the trauma of spousal abuse. 
 
Latosha shares how she, her mother, and grandmother stuck out relationships that would lead to broken bones, hospital stays, and multiple calls to local police. She even watched her ex-husband go after one of her daughters while she attempted to protect Latosha from yet another attack. Enough became enough, and Latosha finally got the courage to file for divorce. “I knew that this was going to be the hardest thing I had ever done. I realized that I was stuck in a pattern started by my grandmother, and now seeing one of my kids endure her first form of abuse, God made it clear that it was time for me to walk away."
 
After walking away, Latosha's future of success would begin to take shape. Beginning with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and master’s degrees in criminal justice and addiction studies, she also started to put her efforts into helping other women, men, and children escape abusive situations. 
 
Along with opening a safe home for other abuse victims, Latosha is quickly becoming a voice for the voiceless through her recently published book, Un-Veil: Surviving Domestic Violence, a memoir and 10-step self-help activity and resource guide for surviving spousal abuse. She is also in the process of publishing her second book entitled, Pieces of My Childhood, which will share an in-depth journey of her life and will be available through She Publishing, LLC. 
 
She has begun several domestic violence teaching and counseling programs through Patricia's Place such as the S.T.A.R. Program (Surviving Traumatic Abusive Relationships) and Purple Power. These tools allow women to learn what resources and support systems are available. She has also started a program for kids who have lived in a family of domestic violence.
 
To learn more about Patricia's Place, please visit their website at www.patriciasplace.org  
 
You may also contact them directly at 708-996-4900 or 773-900-3301
 
If you are a victim of domestic violence or know of someone who is a victim of domestic violence, there is help.  Visit the National Coalition For Domestic Violence website at www.ncadv.org.   There is also a hotline available to report domestic violence or get assistance with domestic violence.  The number is 1-800-799-7233
 
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