Today, we’d like to introduce you to Lizzie Hershberger.
Hi Lizzie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Lizzie Hershberger began her journey by sharing her personal story of surviving abuse within her Amish community.
Her experiences of abuse and the subsequent challenges she faced in leaving the Amish way of life led her to become a trained advocate for others in similar situations. She co-authored the book “Behind Blue Curtains,” where she detailed her struggles and triumphs.
Starting from a position of isolation and trauma, Hershberger gradually built a platform for raising awareness about the prevalence of abuse within insular communities like the Swartzentruber Amish. She has since become an active voice in advocating for survivors’ rights and support. Hershberger works closely with organizations and participates in public speaking engagements to educate others about these issues.
Her advocacy efforts have helped bring attention to the need for justice and reform within such communities. Today, she continues to be a prominent figure in this field, dedicating her efforts to supporting survivors and promoting systemic change. She is the lead in an upcoming documentary, Keeps Quite and Forgot, which will be on PBS.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Lizzie Hershberger faced numerous challenges in bringing her abuser to justice. Some of the key obstacles included:
1. Cultural Barriers: Growing up in a conservative Amish community, Lizzie faced significant cultural pressures that discouraged speaking out against abuse. The Amish community tends to handle issues internally, prioritizing forgiveness and reconciliation over legal action.
2. Lack of Support: Initially, Lizzie had little support from within her small community. Finding allies outside the community who understood her situation and could offer help was crucial but challenging.
3. Legal Hurdles: Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially for someone with little experience in such matters. Lizzie had to deal with law enforcement, legal proceedings, and potential re-traumatization during the process.
4. Emotional and Psychological Strain: Reliving her trauma and facing her abuser in court took a significant emotional and psychological toll on Lizzie. Maintaining her resolve throughout the lengthy process required immense strength and resilience.
5. Public Scrutiny: As her case gained attention, Lizzie faced public scrutiny and judgment. Managing the stress of media attention and public opinion added another layer of difficulty.
Despite these challenges, Lizzie Hershberger’s determination and courage helped her achieve justice and brought greater awareness to the issue of abuse within insular communities.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lizzie Hershberger’s expert witness work is one of her primary focuses on providing testimony and insights related to abuse within closed and insular communities, such as the Amish. Her expertise includes:
1. Cultural Context: Lizzie offers detailed explanations of the cultural norms and practices within the Amish community that can enable or conceal abuse. This helps courts and juries understand the unique challenges survivors face in these environments.
2. Psychological Impact: She speaks to the psychological effects of abuse on victims, particularly within the context of insular communities where the pressure to conform and the fear of shunning can exacerbate trauma.
3. Patterns of Abuse: Lizzie highlights common patterns and tactics used by abusers in these communities, including manipulation, threats, and the exploitation of cultural norms to silence survivors.
4. Survivor Experiences: Drawing from her own experiences and those of other survivors, Lizzie provides a voice for the victims, helping to convey their struggles and the long-term impact of abuse.
5. Legal and Social Barriers: She discusses the obstacles that victims face in seeking justice, such as the lack of support within the community, the fear of ostracism, and the complexities of navigating the legal system.
Through her expert witness work, Lizzie aims to educate legal professionals, advocate for survivors, and contribute to a broader understanding of abuse dynamics in closed communities.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Lizzie Hershberger has emphasized that one of the most important lessons she has learned is the power and necessity of breaking the silence surrounding abuse. She has highlighted several key insights from her journey:
1. The Importance of Speaking Out: Lizzie learned that sharing her story, despite the fear and potential repercussions, was crucial for her healing and for bringing about change. Breaking the silence can empower other Survivors to come forward and seek help.
2. The Strength of Community Support: Finding allies outside her immediate community was vital. Support from individuals and organizations dedicated to helping abuse survivors provided her with the strength and resources needed to pursue justice.
3. Resilience and Self-Belief: Lizzie discovered her resilience and the importance of believing in herself. Trusting her instincts and maintaining her resolve, even when facing significant opposition, was key to her journey.
4. The Need for Education and Awareness: Educating others about the realities of abuse in insular communities is essential. Raising awareness can lead to better support systems for victims and more effective prevention measures.
5. Advocacy and Change: Lizzie realized the impact that advocacy can have. By sharing her experiences and working as an expert witness, she contributes to systemic change and helps create a safer environment for future generations.
These lessons have not only shaped Lizzie’s personal journey but also her mission to support and advocate for other survivors from many walks of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lizziehershberger.com/
- Instagram: @Lizzie.Hershberger
- Facebook: LizzyHershberger
- Linkedin: Lizzie Hershberger
- Twitter: @lizzHershberger
- Youtube: @lizziehershberger2291
- Other: @Lizzyhershberger
