About Dr Mildred D Muhammad

Transforming Trauma into Hope, Advocacy, and Action

Dr. Mildred D. Muhammad, D.Hum., is an award-winning global keynote speaker whose authority on domestic violence, trauma recovery, and resilience is trusted by the highest levels of government and media. In recognition of her expertise, Maryland Governor Wes Moore appointed her to the Maryland Board of Victim Services. As a Certified Consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice and a Speaker for the U.S. Department of State, she brings a unique, policy-informed perspective to the stage. Her role as a CNN Contributor further demonstrates her ability to translate complex, sensitive topics into powerful, actionable insights ensuring your audience leaves not only informed, but equipped to foster safety, advocate for victims, and build resilience within their organizations and communities.

Dr. Muhammad's expertise is grounded in a unique combination of academic, advocacy, and profound personal experience. As a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate and an Advisory Board Member for the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, she possesses an intimate, real-world understanding of crisis intervention forged not only through her work but through her survival as the former spouse of the DC Sniper. This firsthand perspective, paired with her Bachelor of Science in Psychology, allows her to deliver unmatched insights into trauma, resilience, and human behavior. In recognition of her transformative impact and dedication to advocacy, she was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities (D.Hum.) from the School of the Great Commission Theological Seminary a testament to the powerful, life-changing work she brings to every speaking engagement.

Her advocacy has been met with widespread acclaim. She is an honored member of ForbesBLK and the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including the 2023 Purple Ribbon Lifetime Achievement Medallion Award from DomesticShelters.org and the 2022 Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. Furthermore, her impactful work was formally recognized in 2020 by the Prince George's County Council, which honored her with a Proclamation of Appreciation for her "Exemplary Role in the Fight Against Domestic Abuse."

Dr. Muhammad is a sought-after voice on the international stage, where she brings her powerful message of resilience and advocacy to audiences worldwide. She masterfully transforms personal testimony into a universal catalyst for education, prevention, and healing. Her work shines a light on critical issues surrounding domestic abuse, turning profound hardship into a force for global awareness and change. This leadership has earned her recognition as “one of the nation’s most powerful advocates for victims and survivors of domestic violence” by WROC-TV in Rochester, NY.

Dr. Muhammad is sought after by organizations and agencies worldwide from Fortune 500 companies and government bodies to professional sports teams and global nonprofits to share her profound expertise on non-physical abuse, mental resilience, and leadership under pressure. Her journey has equipped her with a unique ability to address often-overlooked aspects of trauma and recovery, particularly the hidden wounds that exist “without physical scars.” She brings this crucial message to a diverse range of audiences including corporate leaders, law enforcement, health professionals, university students, military personnel, professional athletes, and survivor communities ensuring each leaves with deeper empathy, sharper insight, and practical tools to foster safety, strength, and systemic change. Through keynotes, workshops, and training sessions, she doesn’t just raise awareness, she builds advocates and strengthens cultures from the locker room to the boardroom.

Dr. Muhammad brings a powerful blend of sincerity and strategic insight to her work, making her a trusted voice on trauma both within and beyond the military community. With deep empathy and authority, she addresses the impact of PTSD not only among combat veterans but also among survivors of domestic violence, highlighting the invisible wounds that transcend circumstance. In support of the military community, she has partnered with the Family Advocacy Program, lending her expertise to educate, bring awareness, and help eliminate domestic abuse within military families. Her dedication to this cause has been widely acknowledged, reflecting her commitment to turning personal experience into purposeful action and systemic change.

After guiding herself and her children through the profound challenge of victim-blaming and adversity, Dr. Muhammad transformed personal tragedy into a universal mission: to shed light on all forms of domestic abuse that often remain unseen. She brings critical attention to verbal, mental, economic, spiritual, stalking, and emotional abuse—forms that devastate lives yet leave no physical marks. Today, she not only speaks with piercing clarity on the realities of domestic violence but also serves as a vessel of support, healing, and practical guidance for victims, survivors, and the professionals dedicated to helping them. Her work is built on a powerful truth: healing is possible, and education saves lives.

Tools for Healing, Resilience, and Real Change

Through her powerful writing, Dr. Muhammad transforms personal experience into a tool for advocacy and healing. Her key publications include:

"Scared Silent: When the One You Love Becomes the One You Fear"

"The Critically Acclaimed Memoir That Broke the Silence on Covert Abuse
Scared Silent is Dr. Mildred Muhammad's powerful and unflinching memoir, published by Simon & Schuster, that details her harrowing experience as the victim of prolonged psychological terror and covert violence at the hands of her former husband. More than a story of survival, it is a beacon of recognition for anyone who has felt isolated and confused by abuse that leaves no physical scars. This book provides validation, understanding, and the profound reassurance that you are not alone."

"I'm Still Standing: Crawling Out of the Darkness into the Light"

"The Final Memoir: Your Guide from Survival to Unshakable Strength
In her self-published second and final memoir, I'm Still Standing, Dr. Mildred Muhammad completes her journey, guiding readers out of the darkness of trauma and into the light of reclaiming their life. This book is the empowering sequel that focuses on healing, resilience, and rebuilding. It is a testament to the fact that while survival is the first step, thriving—standing tall on your own terms—is the ultimate victory."

In addition to her memoirs, Dr. Muhammad has created essential, self-published resources designed specifically to guide victims and survivors through the emotional and logistical challenges of abuse. These books offer practical tools, emotional validation, and a structured path to safety:

"A Survivor's Journal: A Journey from Victim to Survivor" and "Dare to Heal: Journaling The Pain Away"

These companion journals provide a safe, private space to process complex emotions, reduce isolation, and begin the work of healing through guided prompts and reflective exercises. They act as a personal companion for those navigating the aftermath of trauma.

Planning My Escape: This is a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to building a personalized safety plan for leaving an abusive relationship. It moves from emotional readiness to strategic action, covering everything from securing documents to building a support system, offering a clear and confidential roadmap to safety.

Together, these resources ensure that no one has to navigate the path to freedom alone.

"Being Abused While Teleworking During Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Safety Guide for Victims of Domestic Abuse/Violence & Awareness for Bystanders"

Dr. Muhammad's urgent and essential guide—available in both eBook and paperback—addresses the hidden crisis of domestic violence exacerbated by pandemic lockdowns. This resource provides critical, practical strategies for victims trapped at home with their abusers while teleworking, offering discreet ways to seek help and enhance safety within confined spaces. It also equips bystanders—including colleagues, friends, and HR professionals—with the knowledge to recognize signs of abuse during virtual interactions and intervene safely and effectively. An indispensable tool for navigating danger during unprecedented times, this book remains a critically relevant resource for remote work environments and future crises.

Dr. Muhammad is honored to have contributed her voice and story to four powerful collaborative anthologies, each amplifying themes of resilience, truth, and empowerment:

The Mom in Me: A heartfelt collection revealing the unspoken strength, vulnerability, and resilience of motherhood, offering solidarity to every mother navigating her unique journey.
Media Circus: A critical look at the modern media landscape and its impact on those in the spotlight, exploring how public narratives are shaped and endured.
Ari’el Rising: This powerful anthology features 50 fierce women sharing stories of trials, tribulations, and triumph—a collective testament to unbreakable strength and faith.
The Speakers Journey: Amplifying Your Voice: Step behind the stage into the real, unfiltered journeys of speakers who’ve turned adversity into authority and found their voice through struggle and purpose.

Her current book, "In The Midst of Chaos," was released in 2022. She continues this mission of advocacy through her work on a powerful new anthology, which she describes as "a chorus of courage, built from our shared commitment to turning pain into purpose." In it, her role was to gather and amplify the voices of fellow survivors, uniting their stories to shed light on the reality of abuse and ensure their experiences serve as a lifeline for others.

Together, these works reflect Dr. Muhammad’s deep commitment to sharing stories of strength—both her own and those of others ensuring that messages of hope and resilience reach audiences everywhere. Click here to purchase your autographed copy

Dr. Muhammad’s transformative work has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, reflecting the depth and breadth of her impact. She has received a Special Commendation from the Office on Violence Against Women, a Proclamation from the Prince George’s County Council for her exemplary leadership in combating domestic violence, the Maya Angelou “Still I Rise” Award, the Shirley Chisholm Woman of Courage Award, and REDBOOK’s Strength & Spirit Award, among multiple recognitions from the military community. These accolades underscore her unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and healing on a national scale.

Documentaries & Media Features

Dr. Muhammad has shared her powerful story and expert insights in numerous acclaimed television documentaries and series, including:

Monster in My Family (Lifetime Movie Network)
The Minds of the Sniper (CNN)
The DC Sniper’s Wife (TruTV), produced by award-winning filmmaker Barbara Kopple
Who The Bleep Did I Marry (Discovery Channel)
Escaped: The Sniper’s Wife (Investigation Discovery)
I Married The Beltway Sniper (MSNBC)
Crime Watch Daily (Syndicated)

Dr. Muhammad has been featured as an expert voice on top-tier national and international media, bringing her critical message to wide audiences through appearances on:

Dr. Oz
CNN
Anderson Cooper 360°
Katie Couric
Good Morning America
Larry King Live
The Tyra Banks Show
The Mike Huckabee Show
BBC News
NPR
BET
Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell
TruTV In Session

She has also contributed to numerous regional and local programs, extending her reach and impact within communities nationwide.

Dr. Muhammad's expertise has also been featured across a wide spectrum of print, digital, and audio media, reaching audiences through:

Prestigious Publications: The Washington Post, Newsweek, Essence, and Jet
National and International Newspapers
Global Digital Platforms: Prominent blogs and online magazines
Radio and Podcasts: Numerous national and international radio programs, BlogTalkRadio, and podcast outlets

With over two decades of dedicated advocacy and global leadership, Dr. Muhammad has shaped policy and perception at the highest levels including testifying before House committees to strengthen legislation protecting victims of domestic violence. As both a certified expert and a compassionate voice for change, she has consistently served as a source of healing, strategy, and support for survivors and professionals alike. Her unwavering commitment to eradicating domestic abuse continues to drive her work as she expands her influence worldwide ensuring that every audience, from policymakers to private organizations, is equipped to be part of the solution.