Wendy Greenberg, Board of Directors of Women's Resource Center
Photo credit: Contributed

As many women who have suffered some form of abuse can tell you, Wendy Greenberg agrees its internal wounds can take longer to heal. But rather than push the memories of what she calls her past husband’s “psychologically abusive” behavior out of her mind, she has decided to use that experience to help others in similar situations.

That’s why Greenberg has been an active member of the board of directors at the Putnam and Northern Westchester Women’s Resource Center for the past six years. She says she initially got involved with the nonprofit organization, which provides education, services and support for women of the tri-state area, because she felt a greater awareness was needed on the issue of domestic violence.

“My self-esteem was destroyed by his actions. And you get into a pattern and you feel [this treatment] is what you deserve. I said to myself, remember what happened to you,” she recalls.

One way that Greenberg and her team carry out their mission is by teaching young adults the warning signings of sexual abuse, bullying and harassment before it begins. These “healthy relationship” workshops have taken place at North Salem High School, Walter Panas High School and Ossining Middle School.

“There is a tremendous need for teenagers to understand assault — we read about these things happening in the news every day,” she adds.

There is also a 24-hour hotline women who need assistance can call to get group and individual counseling or even a safe place for them and their children to stay. If a woman must go to court to settle a domestic violence situation, the Women’s Resource Center will send a member of the organization with her for support.

“When I see work done to restore a woman’s sense of self and go out in the world to be productive member of society,” says Greenberg, "it’s worth every bit worth of my time."

Those hoping to contribute should come out to A Woman's Voice: Singing for Our Lives, a benefit held October 28th at the Town Crier Cafe in Pawling, NY. Contact the Women's Resource Center for more details.