Domestic Violence Awareness

Know It’s Not This

If you’ve left an abusive relationship, I’d love to feature you anonymously and share your voice and your story.

I am a pop artist in Nashville releasing a song called “Know It’s Not This” for Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, and I’m partnering with YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee on the release.

The song is centered around the realization that sometimes you may not know exactly what love is supposed to feel like, but you can know when what you’re experiencing isn’t it.

One of the lines in the song is:

“I might not know what love is,
but I know it’s not this.”

Hear a snippet of the song:

I would love to hear from women who have left abusive relationships about the moment, realization, feeling, or experience that made you think: “This isn’t love.”

You don’t have to share your entire story. You can share as much or as little as you’d like. Maybe it was one specific moment, something they said or did, the way you felt around them, or something you slowly came to realize over time.

I want to amplify your voice and let you share and be heard and validated in your experience. I also hope that sharing these experiences can help another woman recognize something she may be experiencing and know that she isn’t alone.

Share Your Answer

Only the question below is required. Your name and details are seen only by Gracie and are never shared publicly unless you say so.

Share as much or as little as you’d like, up to 200 characters. 0 / 200
So Gracie can follow up with you — for example, about your eye photo.
Would you like to be anonymous? If yes, your story is shared without your name. This is the default.
Would you like your eye photo shared alongside your story? Your eye with your words, so you stay somewhat anonymous while still being seen.

Your eye photo: Gracie is creating the cover art as a collage of women’s eyes, and she’d love to include yours. You can attach a close-up photo of your eye right here — it goes privately and directly to Gracie, and nowhere else.

Example of a close-up eye photo for the cover art collage
Up to 15 MB.

Answers and photos are needed by Monday, October 5.

Are you following Gracie on social media? Find her on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
Would you attend an event like this in your area? I’m putting together a tour where women can connect, share their stories, and be empowered — and I’d love to bring it to your city.
Optional, up to 200 characters. 0 / 200

Thank you for sharing 💖

Your words have been received. Thank you for trusting me with them — they may be exactly what another woman needs to hear.

If you’d like to be part of the cover art, send a close-up photo of your eye by DM on Instagram or email to gracie@graciecalvaneso.com by Monday, October 5.

Support & Resources

I’m sharing this in partnership with YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, who provide support and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, including safety planning, emergency shelter, counseling and other survivor services.

If you are currently experiencing abuse or are unsure where to turn, you can find resources and support through their website: YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee

Their 24-hour Crisis & Support Helpline is 800-334-4628, and you can text 615-983-5170.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Thank you to everyone who feels comfortable sharing. I know these stories can be incredibly personal and difficult to put into words, and I’m so grateful to anyone who is willing to share.

Your words may be exactly what another woman needs to hear to recognize that what she is experiencing isn’t love. 💖