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Quintina’s journey to the Bethany House board was fated long before she interviewed Executive Director Deidra Lashley as part of a project on battered women.
At the time of their phone conversation, Quintina knew she was in a domestic violence relationship, but no one else did. She had been able to mask everything that she and her children endured for years.
At the end of their call, Quintina distinctly remembers Deidra saying “if you need anything, please reach out to me,” as if she had a sixth sense – the kind one develops throughout a career in the domestic violence space.
Then, on July 31, 2021, Quintina’s husband of six years tried to kill her in front of their children. He shot at her and, thankfully, the bullet missed. Quintina jumped two stories and fractured four ribs during her escape.
She fled with nothing and called Deidra, who helped Quintina get out of Ohio temporarily to a safe place.
After Quintina started rebuilding her life, she joined the Bethany House board and began translating her pain into purpose for women in similar situations.
What excites me the most is having the opportunity to give back. As a domestic violence survivor, I can genuinely empathize with this population. I understand the barriers, triggers, and stigmas attached to this lived experience. Being able to share my knowledge is a part of my ministry, passion and purpose.
My background impacts my work at the Bethany House in a significant way. In my professional career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with various people from all walks of life who have been impacted by trauma. I have also had the pleasure of working directly with women who have been impacted by domestic violence. My personal experience has given me a front-row seat on how to rebuild a life after being in a violent marriage, and I’m grateful to pass that hope on to others.
I’m excited to share my testimony and be a vessel to help and inspire others. Breaking generational curses is also a goal of mine, motivating others to be empowered by what has happened to them and turn pain into purpose.
One of the biggest challenges facing the population we serve is the stigmas attached to domestic violence. In 2024, society still has these preconceived notions about domestic violence and how impacts individuals and families. Those who are brave enough to come forth regarding an abuser are constantly revictimized through the legal system, and the courts still don’t provide adequate support to assist with the long, strenuous process of seeing an abuser convicted. That lack of support and revictimization often forces victims to give up on their pursuit of justice and return to familiar patterns, even if they’re unhealthy.
Sponsored Ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio
Member of the Sylvania Franciscan Ministries