The CUE Center for Missing Persons recently held its National Missing Persons Conference in Wilmington, NC, bringing together families, advocates, and experts dedicated to finding the missing and supporting those left behind. Among the distinguished guests was Norma Peterson, Executive Director of Document The Abuse, who not only spoke at the event but was also honored alongside her husband, Paul Peterson, for their outstanding contributions.

Every year on March 8th, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a global event recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It’s also a powerful call to action for accelerating gender equality. At Document The Abuse, International Women’s Day holds profound significance, especially as we advocate for women’s rights in abusive relationships and work to provide them with resources to reclaim their lives.

Healing from abuse is not a straight path, and there is no single “right” way to move forward. Every survivor’s journey is unique, but one thing remains true: You deserve healing, safety, and peace. Whether you have just left an abusive situation or are years into your recovery, it’s important to give yourself grace and acknowledge the strength it takes to heal.

By bridging the gap between victim testimony and legal evidence, the EAA plays a critical role in ensuring that justice is served, even when victims are unable to testify.

In the landmark case of Crawford v. Washington (2004), the U.S. Supreme Court revolutionized the interpretation of the Sixth Amendment's Confrontation Clause, shifting the legal landscape regarding the admission of testimonial evidence in criminal trials. This ruling, alongside the Forfeiture by Wrongdoing Clause, has significant implications for the treatment of victims’ statements in abuse and domestic violence cases.

The concept of the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA) was pioneered by Susan Murphy Milano, a nationally known advocate for victims of abuse, who dedicated her life to creating proactive solutions for those trapped in violent relationships. When the Stacy Peterson missing persons case garnered media attention in 2007, Susan was triggered by all of the red flags from her personal experiences and got to work.

The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit (EAA) is a notarized legal document designed to protect victims of abuse by creating a record of the harm they have endured. It includes detailed accounts of the victim’s experiences, providing law enforcement, legal professionals, and advocates with vital information to act swiftly and effectively if the victim goes missing or is otherwise unable to advocate for themselves.

At the core, these events are an opportunity to raise awareness about the realities of abuse, the resources available for victims and survivors, and innovative tools like the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit.

By spreading awareness, offering resources, and encouraging open discussions, we can dismantle the harmful stereotypes that allow abuse to persist. Abuse thrives in silence, secrecy, and misinformation, but by replacing myths with truth, we can take meaningful steps toward prevention and healing.