Women's History Month Spotlight: Caffie Taylor

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story of strength and advocacy. Can you share the story behind One Step Away and what inspired you to start this nonprofit?

A couple of years ago, as a domestic abuse survivor, I joined a support group where we were encouraged to do something creative to raise awareness. I decided to have my face painted to depict the physical abuse I had endured at the hands of my abuser. I took a picture and posted it on social media, never expecting what would happen next.

The image went viral—not because of my post, but because someone turned it into a meme. The caption read: “Fellas, you home watching the game and your girl came in and said her side dude did this… what would you do?”

I was devastated. Hurt. Angry. Mad. Disappointed.

Someone had taken my pain, something so real and raw, and turned it into a joke. I couldn’t let it go. For three days, I searched for the person behind the meme. When I finally found him, he was a man from Chicago—ironically, someone who was being abused by his own wife.

I wanted him to feel what I felt. I went to his page, found a picture of his daughter, and created a meme using that same image of myself alongside hers. I was ready to post it. But before I did, my then-fiancé stopped me. (We are happily married now.)

“Turn this negative into a positive,” he said.

His words kept echoing in my mind. The next day, while driving to work, I kept replaying the situation over and over. My emotions were still raw, but I knew there had to be a better way to respond. Then something happened.

The song One Step Away by Casting Crowns came on the radio.

At that moment, I knew. Instead of using my pain for retaliation, I needed to use it for healing—not just for mine, but for others walking the same path. That was the day One Step Away was born: April 17, 2019.

As a domestic abuse survivor, how has your personal journey influenced the mission and work of your organization?

As a domestic violence victor, I understand the fear that keeps so many from speaking out—the fear of judgment, retaliation, or simply not being believed. My journey is the foundation of One Step Away, an organization dedicated to advocating for those who remain silent due to the repercussions of their experiences.

Survivors deserve to be heard, supported, and empowered. One Step Away exists to be their voice until they find their own, providing advocacy, resources, and encouragement to help them take that first step toward healing and freedom.

Because sometimes, one step is all it takes to change a life.

What are some of the biggest challenges survivors face when trying to speak out, and how does One Step Away help them overcome these obstacles?

Survivors of domestic violence face several significant challenges when trying to speak out:

• Fear of Retaliation – Abusers often threaten or intimidate survivors into silence.
• Shame – Many survivors feel ashamed or fear being judged by family, friends, or their community.
• Lack of Support – Survivors may feel isolated, especially if their loved ones are unsupportive or unaware of the abuse.
• Financial Dependence – Many survivors are economically reliant on their abuser, making it difficult to leave or seek help.

One Step Away helps survivors overcome these obstacles by:

1. Creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories and receive emotional support.
2. Helping survivors access resources to become financially independent and secure safe housing.
3. Providing tailored assistance to meet individual needs, understanding that every survivor’s journey is different.

Your book Mixed Vibes shares a powerful message—what inspired you to write it, and what do you hope readers take away from it?

Mixed Vibes was actually written in 1997. I chose to get it published twenty-something years later because, as a domestic violence victor, I wanted to share my story—not just to heal myself, but to inspire others who may be facing similar struggles. Too often, victims suffer in silence, feeling alone and powerless. I wanted to break that silence, to show that survival is possible, and that life after abuse can be full of love, purpose, and strength.

Through Mixed Vibes, I hope readers see that healing is a process, one that requires self-reflection, resilience, and support. My goal is to empower others to recognize their worth, find their voices, and take the necessary steps toward freedom and self-love.

If my book can help even one person realize they are not alone and that they too can overcome, then sharing my story will have been worth it.

What kind of support or resources does One Step Away provide to individuals who are struggling to find their voice?

One Step Away provides support through community outreach and access to essential resources. We create a safe space where individuals can heal and share their stories.

Can you share a success story or a moment that reaffirmed the importance of the work you do through One Step Away?

One moment that truly reaffirmed the importance of One Step Away was when a survivor reached out to share how our support helped her reclaim her life. She had been trapped in an abusive relationship for years, feeling isolated and hopeless. After attending one of our support group sessions, she found the courage to leave, seek legal protection, and start fresh. Months later, she called me and expressed how grateful she was for the emotional support and resources that empowered her to rebuild her confidence and independence. Knowing that One Step Away played a role in her healing journey is a powerful reminder of why this work is vital.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to leave an abusive situation but is afraid to take that first step?

Leaving an abusive situation is difficult, but your safety is the most important thing.

• Create a Safety Plan – Plan a safe time and way to leave. Keep essential documents, money, and emergency contacts in a secure place.
• Reach Out for Support – Connect with trusted friends, family, or a domestic violence hotline for guidance and help.
• Document the Abuse – Keep records of incidents, including photos, messages, or journal entries, in a secure place.
• Seek Professional Help – Counselors, advocates, and legal professionals can provide support and resources.
• Trust Yourself – Fear is natural, but you deserve safety and peace. Take small steps, and remember, you are not alone.

If you need immediate help, reach out to a local domestic violence shelter or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 (U.S.).

How can people in the community get involved and support the mission of One Step Away?

There are several ways to help, including volunteering, donating, raising awareness, attending events, partnering with the organization, advocating, and joining support groups.

What are your future goals for the nonprofit, and how do you envision its impact growing over the next few years?

We aim to expand outreach, secure funding, build partnerships, raise awareness, and establish a permanent space for survivors.

If you could share one message with survivors who are still struggling in silence, what would it be?

You are not alone. Your pain is valid, and your voice matters. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. There are people who care, who will listen, and who will stand beside you. You are worthy of safety, love, and healing. One step is all it takes.

Caffie, your story is so powerful. It is a testament to resilience, advocacy, and the transformative power of support. Through your work, you continue to inspire and uplift those affected by domestic violence, offering not just resources but hope. Your story reminds us that healing is possible and that change begins with each step we take toward awareness and action. By sharing your story and using your voice, you are not only changing lives but you are creating a ripple effect of empowerment and change.