Hello, my name is Marina Rice. I am a proud member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, located in Mescalero, New Mexico. In, March 2022, I became an East Mountain Resource Center, Domestic Violence Advocate.
Working with EMRC has opened my eyes tremendously on how domestic violence has a huge impact on my community. Working with a victim is starting from the roots. Having the understanding of “Why do they go back” vs” Why do they abuse? “Makes you look at the victim/abuser, with more empathy. I was once told that I go above and beyond for victims because I am still hurting and need healing from the abuse I endured, but I love what I do and as a child of God, I believe this is my calling. So, maybe I am still hurting and need healing – with selfcare, counseling and appropriate trainings that help me to do no harm to a victim – WE WILL THRIVE TOGETHER.
Advocacy, to me, means helping my survivor become stronger, confident, reclaim their identity, know their self-worth and to help them believe in themselves again and believe there are options and possibilities for them.