Breaking the Silence
South Jersey native's true tale of abuse inspires powerful showBy Allegra Tiver
ativer@sjnewsco.com
Lisa Regina will never forget that afternoon in early April 2005 when a New York City ambulance delivered her to the emergency room at Beth Israel Hospital, where she was treated for injuries resulting from an attack by a violent man.
This was no random act, however, and the assailant was no stranger. The man was Regina's boyfriend, and that day she became a victim of domestic violence -- the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 across the United States.
Fear has long silenced many of these victims, mostly women but sometimes men, who suffer alone, feeling alienated and embarrassed by the trauma they've experienced. But Regina is giving the victims of domestic violence a voice -- a loud one.
Staff photo by Tim HawkSouth Jersey native Lisa Regina, right, claps with the Voices of Mount Pisgah choir, during a rehearsal for "A Write to Heal." Regina is the writer, director and performer in the play -- a collection of short stories, poems and music emerging from the true writings of domestic violence survivors.
The South Jersey native and graduate of New York University's theater department is blowing open the doors on the overwhelming health issue in her stage performance "A Write to Heal" -- scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday March 16 at Sterling High School.
"I was struggling with physical and emotional pain," said Regina, who couldn't move from bed following the assault and initially went to individual counseling three times a week. "As a writer and performer, it only made sense to use my writing as a way to articulate my pain."
Comprised of a collection of stories, poems and songs, the performance promises to educate the audience on issues surrounding domestic violence, describe why it's difficult for women to extricate themselves from their situations, raise awareness and offer resources.
"It's really enabled me to speak out, not just for myself, but for all women who really don't have a voice, who are living in fear in an abusive relationship or marriage."
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