|
LaQuisha Hall is a respected educational instructor, community service leader and eager to further efforts of promoting sexual abuse awareness internationally.
After being sexually violated by a well-trusted pastor and family member starting at the age of 14, LaQuisha battled suicidal thoughts and attempts, low self-esteem and depression. Facing a seemingly lifetime of emotional scars, she left home at the age of 16; this is when the abuse ended. While residing with her father, she finally broke her silence at the age of 18. Even though her abuser is still a pastor to this day, LaQuisha has maintained a desire to use her life as an example, encouraging survivors that they can still allow a person to be successful as an adult after a tumultuous past.
As Mrs. Maryland Galaxy 2009, LaQuisha placed first runner up to Mrs. Galaxy 2010, Jennifer Rinaldi. In addition, she actively promotes her platform, Stop the Silence! Sexual Abuse Education & Support, which presents a two-pronged approach—educating the public about the realities of sexual abuse and supporting survivors through the recovery process. LaQuisha works alongside Stop the Silence, serving as the International Spokesperson, a board member and Ambassador Pageant Coordinator. Also through Stop the Silence, LaQuisha founded and runs Queendom T.E.A. (The Etiquette Academy), where she mentors, supports and teaches teenage girls about topics that include feminine etiquette, sexual abuse, teen pregnancy, etc. She is also a member of W.A.V.E. (Women Against Violence Everywhere) for Turn Around, Inc., serves as the Atlantic Districts Regional Director for Dreamcatchers for Abused Children, speaks and volunteers on behalf of the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) and is a supporter of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA). A large part of her presentation is devoted to dispelling myths about sexual abuse and sharing recovery options such as counseling, hotlines and support groups.
LaQuisha describes her Stop the Silence volunteer experiences as “life changing”.
“I have been able to speak with and help so many victims. I have been able to encourage victims who once contemplated suicide, offer concrete persons or numbers to victims who had no idea who to turn to and I personally have been able to heal in the process of helping so many. I came away with a conviction after assisting Maryland residents and victims: we need Stop the Silence in EVERY community! Stop the Silence programs can do so much for suffering victims.”
LaQuisha is thankful to Ms. Pamela Pine for affording her the opportunities and she is proud to be the spokesperson of an organization doing so much to help so many victims and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation.
“I truly believe in the work that Stop the Silence does and the positive impact its program has on abuse victims and their entire families. Stop the Silence is dedicated to helping these families find some relief… to help them feel less isolated… to improve their quality of life during and after very difficult times.”
LaQuisha Hall is a respected educational instructor, community service leader and eager to further efforts of promoting sexual abuse awareness internationally.
After being sexually violated by a well-trusted pastor and family member starting at the age of 14, LaQuisha battled suicidal thoughts and attempts, low self-esteem and depression. Facing a seemingly lifetime of emotional scars, she left home at the age of 16; this is when the abuse ended. While residing with her father, she finally broke her silence at the age of 18. Even though her abuser is still a pastor to this day, LaQuisha has maintained a desire to use her life as an example, encouraging survivors that they can still allow a person to be successful as an adult after a tumultuous past.
|
Personal Stories
Within each of us there lies a story. It is a story that defines who we are and what we have become. We are family, friends, associates, and survivors ourselves, and our stories bring hope to those survivors that are just beginning their journey; they create a kinship with those that have survived as we have. So many of us have never told our story because maybe we thought it just wasn't interesting enough. Maybe we thought no one would believe us or that we have “gotten past it”. Maybe we thought that it was our own fault that these vile events happened to us and that there isn't any point in reliving them. It is BECAUSE of these doubts that we need to break the silence and share our experiences. From each other we will draw inspiration and courage and from that courage we will gain a voice that will be heard for many generations to come. Sharing your story will not only help others; it will help you! 
