Diann Furbush Diaz (GHS 1983) has recently published two books. The first is her memoir about childhood sexual assault and domestic abuse called, A Purpose Greater Than Sorrow, which was written over a span of 14 years, as she bravely worked through her painful trauma. Amazon calls it a “riveting and thought-provoking memoir of her personal journey through the multiple challenges of abuse.” The book also provides support and valuable resources to help others who are dealing with these issues.

The second book, called Domestic Violence Victims-Why do they Stay?, was co-written with Diann Diaz’s husband of 24 years, Joe Diaz, a retired police officer in Ft. Lauderdale who has worked with victims of domestic abuse and rape for over 30 years. “We have included a list of ‘dos and don’ts’ to use as a guide should you find yourself in the position of helping someone whom you suspect is being abused,” said Diann Diaz. Both books are available on Amazon.

Needless to say, Diann Diaz did not have an idyllic childhood growing up in Gorham. Like an untold number of young children, she was the victim of rape by someone she knew. Statistically, victims of sexual assault know their attacker in approximately 8 out of 10 cases.

When a child is the victim, the rates are even higher — 90 percent of young victims know their attacker. This type of assault and betrayal magnifies the psychological damage that occurs. Young victims struggle with physical and mental health issues, such as low- self esteem, depression, anxiety, even post traumatic stress disorder, all of which can prime them to become a partner in an abusive relationship later in life.

This is the pattern that Diann Diaz followed. Lack of support and understanding from her family following the sexual assault left her feeling isolated, worthless, and primed to spiral into a life of domestic violence in two abusive relationships as an adult. After years of struggle and deep depression, her wake-up call came when her son was almost killed by one of her partners.

While physical violence can certainly be part of an abusive relationship, much of what actually goes on also involves psychological warfare such as controlling, demeaning, and shaming behavior.

Diann Diaz said, “I’m telling my story so others will be able to learn from it. It is my mission to help victims of rape or domestic abuse to find their voice and speak out, and stop the cycle of abuse.”

This has become her life’s work. In addition to her books, Diaz has worked tirelessly as an advocate for victims at women’s shelters in Florida and as a public speaker at churches, schools, universities and other community groups about her personal experiences. She was Speaker of the Year in 2003, for Women in Distress of Broward County.

When her husband, Joe Diaz, retired from the Ft. Lauderdale Police department in 2004, they moved to Virginia where Diann Diaz volunteered at another women’s crisis center and continued to speak publicly about her childhood sexual assault and domestic violence.

For 16 years, she has been on the national speakers’ bureau for RAINN (Rape, Abuse, Incest, National Network). She was the Violence Prevention Educator serving middle and high school students, teaching young people how to prevent violence in relationships, helping them build healthy relationships, and informing them where to turn for help. She has also served as an emergency advocate for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence in hospitals and police stations.

Diann and Joe Diaz live in the Blue Ridge mountains of Virginia with their two dogs. She has one son and three grandchildren. She can be reached at dianndiaz@gmail.com or visit her website at www.dianndiaz.com.