Domestic Violence Survivor Takes Awareness to Global Level, Reaches to Stars
With 22 years of control, beatings and isolation finally behind her, survivor now mentors the abused and leads by example. Suzanne Perry summons the world through events, promoting peace through music and raising awareness for domestic violence. Live global performance of "Imagine" during EXPOSURE Concert, Perry reaches to stars for blessings.
Perry was held hostage in her own home; abused, humiliated, assaulted and tortured at the hands of her husband. Lost in the cycle of domestic violence, she left and returned, wanting to believe the love would last and the abuse would stop. Finally, at the threat of her teen running away, Perry made the decision to have her husband arrested following the next beating and today is a public speaker, radio host and DV advocate.
Based on her theory if batterers were in the spotlight - exposed, that they wouldn't abuse, she created the "EXPOSURE Concert: because love shouldn't hurt," a 3-day live musicfest where over 40 bands perform and stream live around the world. The 1st show in August, 2010, was viewed from 8 countries and 34 states.
In barely over a year, her nonprofit, "OP Music House," has accumulated over 4,000 Facebook friends as Perry saturated the Buffalo NY music scene - photographing bands and fans, and handing out "prizes" with her logo featuring the words, "love shouldn't hurt."
She has live music "Suzapalooza" shows booked throughout Western New York, bringing 2 selected bands, games, prizes and branded merchandise. The shows underline domestic violence awareness but in a counter-approach, "putting unity back into the community, through music," Perry commented.
In June, she is holding "RUMBLE to break the silence," a motorcycle run followed by a bike/classic car show and vendor fair with live music all day, food and games.
July 29-31, the 2nd annual EXPOSURE Concert takes place. A historical highlight happens Saturday night, when Julie Faery of Your Loving X will be joined by others onstage and performs John Lennon's, "Imagine," in unison with the entire planet. Perry wrote to Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, to ask for her recognition. Perry reports, "This event is to promote peace through music, and to expose abusers to the world, saying its never okay to control or hurt others."
The events are fundraisers to help OP Music House open in a public setting, upgrading from Perry's current home-based office.
Summer 2012 puts Suzapalooza on the road in a US tour, as she brings local "Southern meets Metal" band, 100 Proof Justice, and fellow-survivor turned quickly up and coming musician Sharen Wendy Robertson. Called the EXPOSURE Tour, stops are already confirmed in Boston, DC, Louisville, Miami, Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Perry will speak at colleges and organizations by day and host the musical performances in the evening. The idea is to involve bands across America, who have agreed to donate a set of music when EXPOSURE comes to their town, supporting her cause.
Perry has a Facebook group called "Eddie Vedder to cut ribbon when we open - domestic violence intervention" with nearly 700 supporters. Perry painted the music to "Alive" in her bathroom and is a member of the "Ten Club," where her story has been bumped up for consideration.
###
Suzanne Perry
716-548-5013
www.opmusichouse.org
Twitter: OPMusicHouse
Yahoo: OPMusicHouse
Skype: Suzanne.Perry.OPMusichouse
EXPOSURE Concert 2011
Globally streaming concert to feature "Imagine" July 30 in hopes to promote peace through music.
Perry painted "Alive" by Pearl Jam sheet music in her bathroom
Living in a virtual prison since 1985, barricaded from the outside world, Perry only learned who Pearl Jam was in 2008, when she became inspired by Better Man. Alive is a theme song for Perry today.
Bands share their audiences to help Perry reach out
We all work together- the bands of the area all give Perry an opportunity to give her story to their audiences to help reach out and help those afraid to speak up.