Writers use book to discuss domestic violence

Domestic violence has been a hot topic since singer Chris Brown was charged with assaulting his girlfriend, Rihanna. Two Columbus authors bring the subject closer to home at 6 p.m. today at Barnes and Noble at the Gateway on North High Street. Husband and wife Tré Parker and Marala Scott will use their book "In Our House: Perception vs. Reality" to discuss domestic violence.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID ESTEP Marala Scott co-wrote the book "In Our House: Perception vs. Reality" with husband Tré. The couple will use their book to discuss domestic violence today at Barnes and Noble.

Over a period of 13 years, Scott delved into the hell of suppressed memories, surrendering to the unsettling emotions from her youth to pen the memoir, which was released nationally in November 2008.

"There are always a few unpleasant memories that one cannot endure," she said. "Unfortunately, for me it's my entire childhood."

Telling her story through the eyes of her childhood, Scott leads readers through the tumultuous range of physical and verbal abuse that was her life. From the unrelenting torture stemming from her father's constant attacks to the demonic possession of her mother, Scott does not spare readers from witnessing the harsh reality she endured.

"In Our House" is 366 pages of thought-provoking and intense recollections on the necessity of faith in times of trial. Despite the abuse, neglect and sacrifice that plagued her family, Scott shows how external circumstances, although demoralizing, can work to strengthen faith and satiate the spirit.

"This book will affect anyone with an open mind," Scott said. "Some people will laugh, some will cry and others may be fearful of the things that are revealed, but everyone will leave knowing an important and powerful message."

One such open mind is actor and recording artist Tyrese Gibson.

"This book changed my perspectives on everything," Gibson said in a press release. "After reading this book, it will make you say, 'Well if I thought I was going through some stuff, I haven't been through anything!' "

Playing off the theme, perception vs. reality, Scott reveals how society often turns a blind eye to situations that entail abuse or victimization.

"We live in such a judgmental society. The perception vs. reality issue is that we allow people to see only what we want them to see," Scott said. "We always want to hide the truth because we don't want others to know what we're going through … because we feel people won't care or that our situation isn't worthy to be heard, … but there is no abuse that surpasses another. What I went through is no less than someone being molested, or dealing with drug abuse. Pain is pain, and we need to start acknowledging it."

Scott said the process of writing the book was therapeutic in helping her overcome her own issues.

"Writing this story was not easy for me. If I said everything was all good and fine, it would be a lie," she said. "Growing up, I almost lost my sanity because of the abuse. There were so many things that I had suppressed but I knew I would have to let them go in order to live."

She begins each chapter with a Scripture passage that hints to the forthcoming events in the book.

"People think I always had this strong unwavering faith, but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Back then, I didn't really have it. I was angry at God. My mother believed in him. I believed in him. And we still had to go through this," she said. "But I realized that without God, without that ounce of faith that I held onto, I wouldn't have made it through that situation. You have to have faith."

By sharing her struggles, Scott hopes to show victims that they can achieve greatness, despite the abuse.

As for those she encounters who have yet to find their voice, she offers these words of encouragement:

"How many of you have been abused physically or verbally? How many of you have low self-esteem? You feel like you are no good and no one wants you. And how many afraid to speak up because you're afraid to let the world know the truth about your situation and your pain?" she asked. "I am everyone of you and I hear your story. I am you … and this is not your last stop."