More than 15 years ago, Stephanie Bond’s estranged husband shot her three times, then turned the gun on himself.
She survived the attempted murder-suicide and, after a month-long hospital stay, began to physically recover. But mental healing took community and time.
“I originally thought when I was physically healed all would be right with the world,” Bond said. “What I learned is the mental component takes years to recover from … it takes work. It’s fixable, but it’s not going to happen overnight.”
Bond shared her story recently during the 33rd Genesis Annual Luncheon, the primary fundraiser supporting Genesis’ mission to provide shelter, safety, and support to thousands of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse. Bond and Angela Crates co-chaired this year’s event, which drew a sold-out crowd of 1,500 and raised $1.3 million.
Bond explained during an interview after the event that, through sharing her story, she has discovered that she’s become part of a powerful community of fellow survivors.
“I felt very isolated, like a freak of nature,” she said. “If women are more transparent about what happens to them, there’s this tribe of women warriors out there.”
Bond said she’s come to understand how widespread domestic violence is. Domestic abuse can impact people from all walks of life, and it doesn’t always start with physical violence.
“My husband didn’t routinely hit me. I didn’t think of myself as an abused woman. Abuse doesn’t have to be physical to be present,” Bond said. “Once other methods of control no longer work, the physical abuse manifests.”
Bond’s involvement with Genesis Women’s Shelter and Support began more than a decade ago. In 2012, she moved to Dallas from Illinois and met the organization’s CEO, Jan Langbein.
Bond has continued working with Genesis in a variety of ways. Following the February 2021 winter storm, Bond and her daughter helped do laundry and make beds at the shelter.
Her speech at this year’s luncheon, which featured actress, producer, and director Mariska Hargitay, best known for playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, cast Bond in a more visible role.
“Hopefully being on that stage maybe I’ve touched somebody,” she said. “This is in all of our backyard. There should be no shame.”
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