Hooyman is an ‘overcomer’ of domestic violence

June 13, 2019

By June Scharenbroch

The Brillion News

POTTER – “God humbles us to do a good work in us. For years I have prayed for the chance to share my story as an abused wife in the hopeful efforts that it helps others in domestic abuse and also helps those who don’t understand the long lasting affects it has on women who have lived it. Now at retirement age, He has humbled me to share my entire story, not just the parts that are easier to share,” Pamella Hooyman said as she began sharing her ten-year journey of domestic violence at a recent speech at Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church in Potter.

Many women came to give her support as she talked about the personal issues she has gone through; others came to learn about domestic violence and how to help someone who is going through it. She left nothing out at the presentation, but due to the sensitive nature of subject matter, some events are not shared in this article.

What followed was an account of the shocking physical, sexual and emotional abuse she went through. She married at 17-years-old because her Air Force stepfather received orders that required the family to move to Okinawa, Japan. She, being a senior in high school, wanted to stay with her grandparents to finish school, but her mom suggested she marry the nice boy she was dating.

Her mom signed for her to marry, since she was only 17. Looking back, she surmised it was a good way to get her out of the way since her mom had a young family with the new husband.

“Now I was married with high school to finish and my immediate family thousands of miles away.  I had no idea that my new husband would soon become very controlling and physically, sexually and emotionally abusive,” Hooyman said.

Please see the complete story in the June 13, 2019 edition of The Brillion News.