But, Why Did You Stay?

How I Survived Domestic Violence

By: Mekisha Walker

Narrated by: Mekisha Walker

Length: 3 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

As little girls, we dream of one day becoming a ballerina, a doctor; or a lawyer. We dream of having it all - a wonderful husband, beautiful children, a dog, the perfect house with a picket white fence. You know, the classic fairy-tale that most little girls fantasize about with their friends.

This might not be your story, but is definitely mine. Maybe you can relate to some things or none at all. The end result of this story is an unhealthy, unhappy relationship that mutates into abuse.

What happens when you give your whole self to a man and in return, he gives you Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Today, I choose to share my truth, because God chose me to survive so that other can hear my journey and escape.

©2020 Mekisha Walker (P)2020 Mekisha Walker

Critic reviews

"If it can happen to her, a capable trial attorney, it can happen to anyone. Mekisha Jane Walker’s ground-breaking and thought-provoking memoir has the potential to change the way domestic violence is viewed. Sharing her journey provides a fascinating insight into the confusion and agony women experience at the hands of an abuser, who was once their perfect love. Mekisha’s incorporation of photos, video, audio, and court documents makes you feel as if you were actually there. This book will change lives by helping not only victims but also providing a better understanding of abusive relationships so that parents, siblings, and friends can help the woman on her path to regain control of her life." (William T. Harmon, Former Criminal Court Judge, 34 years)

"Mekisha Jane Walker takes you through her journey; a strong-willed successful attorney by day and a domestic violence victim by night. With her secret revealed, she was faced with the question, “why did you stay?” This is her answer to the question. She is a force to be reckoned with and she has survived to tell her tale. This compelling page-turner is a powerful read that will help eliminate the shame associated with being labeled a victim and that will raise awareness for this dirty secret that so many strong-willed women living with are afraid to talk about." (Jane Waters, Former Domestic Violence Prosecutor and Division Chief with the Harris County DA’s Office, 28 years)

"As a former prosecutor and current criminal trial attorney, Mekisha Jane Walker is a strong, smart, and resourceful woman. She is funny, bold, energetic, engaging, and makes friends wherever she goes. But she hid her shameful secret of domestic abuse and became trapped, unable to break free from the control of her abuser. A secret no more, she now tells her compelling survival story, which provides remarkable insight into the complications of leaving an abuser. This book intimately shows how any woman can experience horrible abuse, and yet overcome it." (Jennifer Varela, MSW, LCSW, Special Victim’s Bureau, Harris County DA’s Office, 25 years)

Highly recommend

An incredibly powerful book that gives you a raw and real inside look at life with abuser. This story is made even more impactful with the author herself reading her truth. This is a must read (listen) for everyone not just those who have been victims of domestic violence, but also for others to learn to recognize the the signs of abuse. Very insightful book. Highly recommend!

amazing

this is an amazing story for people who are living through or have lived through domestic violence. it gives u hope that u can live through it and be ok , " take your life back before its to late. this book is also amazing for victims families to help them understand what its like for them to live through this and how to help them be ok and become themselves again. please don't blame them or ask them why they didn't leave those things do not help at all. i myself have lived through this and im still trying to take my life back after 18 years i still have nightmares and flashbacks but I am happy remarried and over all im doing ok but most importantly im alive.

Great book/ great audio

So many people don’t understand why or how women end up in abusive relationships. This is a poignant firsthand account of how someone - an educated attorney with a supportive family and who no one suspected was privately battling such difficulties- found her way into, and ultimately out of, such a relationship.

Even better - this book is read by the author herself. She is clear and understandable, and you really feel like you are seeing it through her eyes.

Amazing!

This is an amazing story about a woman who gained her strength to leave after years of abuse. Very powerful story!

Validating

I feel empowered and solidified
hopeful !
Thank You for sharing your truth
I have cried tears of pain and joy during this narration.

The only book of its kind.

This book gives you a perspective like no other. You are given access to documentation, pictures and the unforgettable account on how Mekisha was able to escape her abusive husband and relationship. A must read to any young or adult women!

A raw, candid account of domestic abuse

Think it can’t happen to you? To your daughter? Your sister? When you pour your heart into a romantic relationship, there can be so many blind spots. Sometimes those blind spots can be deadly. This story shows how domestic abuse can happen to the strongest, smartest, most successful of women - and how Mekisha fought to remember who she was, what she valued and her dreams of the future while in the throws of an emotionally and intellectually manipulative and physically abusive husband - and how she covertly fought for her life and that of her daughter’s.

A Professional's Tell-All

This book is a real-life example of how even strong, independent women can be victims of domestic violence and keep their secret hidden from the world. Mekisha's story, through her experience, gives hope and strength to those still stuck in dangerous relationships. "But why did you stay?" is helping grow a deeper conversation about domestic violence. Well written. Great book.

Excellent book....

This book really moved me. Mekisha’s heartfelt and humbling life told a story to often gets hidden by so many. I’m so thankful she found her peace, and persevered to the other side.

Astonishing!

This book it’s a MUST READ! Mekisha is so brave to share her story with us, her strengths and courage will help many in the same situation. I could not stop listening ...
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!