Robin McGraw ‘Moved’ by Domestic Violence

Petite and softspoken, McGraw is set to speak at the American Mothers convention on Saturday, where she will receive the 2015 America’s Mother of Achievement award on Saturday. It’s given to women who have made an impact in the community.

McGraw’s When Georgia Smiled organization does that with programs ranging from classroom curriculum to a free app, Aspire, which enables the user to hit a “go” button that will send out a pre-written or pre-recorded message of help.

Her message: “If you’re a victim, it’s not your fault. A lot of times an abuser will isolate you and tell you that it’s your fault. We want to tell victims out there, it’s not your fault. You have a right to safety. You have a right to get out of that situation.”

Her interest in this particular cause also comes partly from a personal place.

“When I was growing up my mother was not a victim of domestic violence, but my father was an alcoholic.”

She says, “He never drank around us, but it was very unsettling. He would go off to drink. We never knew when that was going to happen. It caused me to live a life of uncertainty. When he did that, I knew the one thing that was certain in my life was my mother’s smile. It gave me a sense of peace. It was the one thing I could count on.”

McGraw wants to help others find that same strength, that same smile.

As for what brings a smile to her face? Family. In addition to Jay, there’s son Jordan, a musician. Plus, the grandkids. Jay and wife Erica have two kids — daughter Avery, 5, and son London, 3. You may have seen them on an episode of Dr. Phil.

“They’re so precious!” says McGraw, lighting up. “You ask what do I do when I’m not at the tapings or the foundation, I’m with those babies. They are just pure heaven.”