Influential Voices on Preventing
Domestic Violence
Speakers & Advocates Mildred Muhammad, Former Wife of the “DC Sniper” The former wife of John Allen Muhammad, the convicted and now executed “DC sniper” who terrorized the Washington, DC, metro region in late 2002, Mildred is a domestic violence survivor who escaped her former husband’s several attempts to kill her before, during, and after their divorce. She speaks openly about her experiences as a survivor and how the violence affected her three children.
Dawn Schiller, Domestic & Substance Abuse Survivor Domestic violence survivor Schiller was only 15 years old when she was forced into prostitution and substance abuse by 32-year-old porn star John Holmes, who became notorious for his later involvement in the 1981 Wonderland murders. Giving an insider’s view of what it’s like to be a “throwaway teen,” Schiller encourages communities through her organization E.S.T.E.A.M. (Empowering Successful Teens Through Education, Awareness, and Mentoring).
Melissa Moore, Daughter of the “Happy Face Serial Killer” The author of Shattered Silence: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer’s Daughter, Moore is the daughter of Keith Hunter Jesperson, a man infamously known as the “Happy Face Serial Killer.” A survivor of psychological and emotional abuse during her childhood, and a victim of domestic violence in her adult relationship, she shares a dynamic message on the unlimited power of choice in our lives and the importance of having the courage to shine through adversity.
Janine Latus, Best-Selling Author of If I Am Missing or Dead A seasoned voice focused on raising awareness about domestic violence, Latus is the author of the New York Times bestseller If I Am Missing or Dead, a heart-wrenching journey of discovery as she traces the roots of her sister’s and her own victimization. A confession, a call to action to break the cycle of abuse, and a deeply felt love letter to her baby sister, If I Am Missing or Dead is as unforgettable a read as Latus is a speaker.
Taylor Armstrong, “Real Housewife” & Abuse Survivor Behind the glamorous façade of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Armstrong hid a dark secret: her husband, Russell, had been physically, verbally, and emotionally abusing her for years, and she had witnessed domestic violence in her home as a child. A longtime advocate for victims of domestic violence, she works to raise awareness, educate the public, and help victims recover and reinvent their lives, and is the author of Hiding from Reality, a memoir.
Victor Rivas Rivers, Author of A Private Family Matter As a male spokesperson for Verizon Foundation’s National Network to End Domestic Violence, Rivers believes domestic violence is not a woman’s issue, it’s everyone’s issue. In his moving personal memoir, A Private Family Matter, and in his powerful presentations, Rivers describes the horror of domestic abuse he witnessed at home as well as his inspiring journey toward independence, recovery, and renewal. The American Program Bureau | 313 Washington Street, Suite 225 | Newton, MA 02458 | apbspeakers.com | 617.614.1600