By Cailin Acosta
SAN DIEGO — Domestic violence is often left unspoken, but more than 100 community members gathered Sunday, Nov. 2, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue to confront the issue directly. “Domestic violence is often not discussed, and many suffer in silence,” said Naomi Ackerman, who led the program. “Today, we are going to have an open discussion and make this topic not taboo.”
La Mesa Vice Mayor Lauren Cazares welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of ending the shame surrounding abuse and supporting survivors. “No one deserves to be a victim,” she said.
Ackerman then performed her one-woman show Flowers Aren’t Enough, portraying Michal, a young woman trapped in an abusive relationship. The 50-minute performance, followed by a 30-minute discussion, is based on real stories and has been staged more than 2,500 times across seven continents. The production has been translated into Arabic, English, Hebrew and Spanish, bringing awareness to audiences worldwide.
Ackerman noted that abuse is not always visible. While Michal experiences physical violence, the emotional abuse depicted — belittling, name-calling and psychological manipulation — often leaves deeper scars. “Cuts and bruises can heal,” Ackerman explained, “but emotional abuse can become the voice in your head telling you that you are not enough.”
Many attendees shared that they knew someone who had experienced domestic violence. Resources and support contacts were placed on each chair, acknowledging the complexity and courage involved in leaving an unsafe situation.
Ackerman is the founder and executive director of Advot, an organization that uses theater-based education to help young people build communication skills and self-advocacy. “Advot” means “ripples” in Hebrew, reflecting the organization’s goal of creating lasting, positive change through dialogue and empowerment.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of San Diego Jewish World.