"Janine Latus is the most compelling speaker on sexual assault and relationship abuse I've ever heard."

Janine Latus was our keynote speaker at Old Dominion University for Stalking Awareness Month. She later agreed to be our local, celebrity cast member in the ODU performance of The Vagina Monologues. In both instances, Janine brought enormous energy and enthusiasm to her speaking roles. The ODU community could easily relate to her genuine and compelling style. As a writer, speaker, advocate and educator on issues of sexual and relationship violence, Janine is the voice of many silenced survivors.… Read more

“When I watched Janine’s TedTalk, I was compelled to call her immediately to discuss booking her for our student-athletes. Her story is gripping. Her presentation provides many opportunities for students and staff to learn the often insidious nature of unhealthy relationships as well as ways to intervene with friends and family who may be in an unhealthy relationship. I highly recommend Janine for education in this area.”

“Janine’s strength exemplifies the memory of her sister, and affirms the journey that many survivors and victims of domestic violence have to face on their journey from beyond fear to freedom. Her courage to share her story as well as her sister’s is heart wrenching but also a message of hope, a reminder that the fight must continue.”

“Janine Latus is an incredible story-teller with an imperative message to share with your community – we need to talk about sexual and relationship violence. Her ability to turn trauma into opportunity and pain into passion is remarkable and inspiring. I am confident that her story and delivery left our college students with vital tools to cultivate and uphold our values of community and respect by being vigilant of warning signs, intervening safely, and demonstrating continuous support.” … Read more

As Janine began to speak about her journey through the horrors of domestic violence in her life she shared about the types of abuse. She spoke of sexual abuse, financial abuse, cyber manipulation, and of course emotional and physical abuse. I sat there spellbound as well, and watched the entire audience sit wide-eyed, silent and captivated. Seeing the power and control wheel was new information to most of the people. The entire presentation was professional, personal and riveting. Janine, you… Read more

Thank you for sharing your story last night at the YWCA’s Women of Excellence. I have lost several friends to domestic violence. I used to be one of those people who just didn’t get why a woman stayed until I got older and saw the way abusers manipulate their victims. My deepest condolences to you for your sister but she still lives on through you and your story. I wholeheartedly believe everyone can do something to save even just one person. Thank you again.

Janine’s unforgettable story of abuse is two-fold.  First, she told of her personal abusive relationship … to the outside world, they looked perfect.  They had a beautiful home, money, social status, all of the things that would reflect their affluent lifestyle.  However, what people did not know about was his extremely controlling behavior. Second, Ms. Latus told the heartfelt story about her sister Amy, whose abusive relationship ultimately led to her murder.  Ms. Latus’ candor as the story… Read more

We could not have chosen a better or more significant keynote presenter for our women’s and gender studies conference with an audience of students, faculty, community members and activists.  Janine Latus uses the narrative of her own life and family losses to help other women and girls understand how intimate partner abuse can happen to anyone. She has the ability to engross her audience with an engaging yet candid style of delivery that ranks her as a first-class story and truth-teller. The … Read more