Lawyer Dovie King wrote her debut memoir “Survivor at Law” so other survivors of domestic violence fighting court battles and psychological abuse could see more clearly themselves and the systematic ways their voices are suppressed.
“I wrote this book to shine light on the hidden ways survivors, especially women of color, are silenced by the very systems designed to protect them,” she said.
According to King, by the time she wrote her book, she had endured a decade-long fight to protect herself and her son from legal and psychological harm inflicted by her ex-husband.
In less than a year, and with the support of her loving son and husband, King wrote the book, describing the process as the memoir pouring out of her.
“It wasn’t until I found my voice as an author, using dark humor, that I was like, ‘I can do this—I can actually put my pain into paper and tell my story, and [have] it not hit so hard,’” King said. “I’m just at a point in my life where, in terms of my healing journey, it was the right time.”
Writing the Story
King’s memoir identifies the ways court systems disadvantage victims of domestic violence, and proposes legal reforms.
According to King, abusers far too often gain custody of their children due to appearing calm and composed in family court in comparison to victims who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in real time.
At a conference for mother who are survivors of domestic violence, King was the only attendee who had custody of her child.
“It’s heartbreaking; it’s brutal…there needs to be the greatest urgency in changing that,” she said.
Through writing her memoir, King said she was able to reclaim her story; she also credits therapeutic programs and modalities such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) with supporting her healing.
“I wanted to destigmatize getting help and taking advantage of institutions like McLean [Hospital] for even women who are educated and, on paper, successful, and doing it all,” she said. “Anyone can fall victim to trauma and PTSD, no matter where you are in life.”
At a therapeutic program at McLean, King learned that PTSD changes the structure of the brain, creating a persistent feeling of being “stuck in a fog”.
“There’s domestic violence happening right now in Belmont,” said King, adding that it’s important for survivors to know they aren’t alone, and there is a way out. King’s book includes a list of resources for survivors, many of which are based in Massachusetts.
“[Domestic violence] is happening at every level of the community, whether it’s someone who is a renter and in their 20s, or someone who’s older and affluent and well-established…It’s happening in every community in America,” she said.
A Beacon of Bravery
King moved to Belmont from California as she was in the process of starting a new life for her and her son. President Donald Trump had just been elected for his first term, and King felt driven to participate in town politics. She became a Town Meeting member and member of the Human Rights Commission.
She also later served on the executive board of the Belmont Democratic Town Committee, and served as a Belmont delegate at the state Democratic convention.
“I was just really motivated, so I kind of threw my hat into public service, and that too was part of my healing journey,” she said.
Anna Churchill, a friend of King’s from Belmont, described King as “ambitious and motivated, but also very committed to the community, justice, and making the world a better place for everyone.”
After living in Belmont, King moved to Wayland, where she continued to be involved with local advocacy efforts.
A friend of King’s from Wayland, Erica Toochin, described King as a brave and strong person, and a fierce advocate for her community.
“I think there’s powerful symbolism in the fact that while she was here she was so focused on advocating for the community, and I feel like the book is not only advocating for herself and other people, but it’s also focusing on her own voice first, which I think is amazing,” she said.
Leading the Charge
King, who over the course of her legal career has long advocated for and provided pro-bono legal services for survivors of domestic violence, hopes to continue reaching people with her story. She also encourages lawyers to provide pro-bono services for survivors whenever possible.
“I’m a long time advocate and believer in social justice and change, so whatever it is that I do— whether it’s writing books, practicing law, or teaching—there’s always going to be that component to it,” she said.
King added that there are many women living with similar stories to hers.
“That really motivated me, because I’m in a position with my education, [and] with just where I am in life, to put my story on paper—not just for me, but for a lot of women,” she said.
Ultimately, King said she credits her drive to put her story out into the world with the love of her son, Noah King, who encouraged her to write the book and include his name.
“He’s an extremely courageous person, and the reason that I am doing all of this,” she said.
More information about King’s memoir, “Survivor at Law” can be found at dovieking.com.