Rose Parker, a domestic violence victim, was sentenced to 27 years to life in prison for murdering her abuser.

But after nearly 15 years behind bars, she became the first woman released from a California prison for battered woman syndrome. Then-Gov. Gray Davis granted her parole in 2000.

"Let the world know, I'm not a killer or murderer," she said this week. "This syndrome is like post-traumatic stress. The abuser puts you on pins and needles. It's a control issue. I tried to get away from him. He gave me drugs. This is not how I was raised. He tried to kill me and he raped me."

Rose will tell her story Saturday at the annual Women's Day Workshop Conference at the Evangelistic Missionary Baptist Church, 125 E. Pearl St., Port Hueneme. The 10 a.m. workshop will be preceded by a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Lunch will be provided with a $5 entry fee.

"I speak at various places now and tell women they should not be so desperate," Parker said.

She also has told her story in a book, "Beat Up, Beat Down and Still Standing." Although the specifics of her life with her abuser, who was a drug dealer, might be difficult to hear, her message is positive, Parker said.

"It is a book of hope. It includes trial transcripts, what I did when I was in jail," she said. "You keep going even if you think you're in a hopeless situation."

While in prison, she was a model inmate. "I chose to be positive on my day-to-day activities," she said. She joined the church choir and taught aerobics. She also used the time to study to be a minister and earned a doctorate.

Since being released, Parker has remained busy with TV appearances and speaking engagements.

In 2003, she married Michael Sterling, a pastor at Church of All Nations in San Bernardino County. Together, they help house and train the homeless.

Known to many as "Dr. Rose," she is the founder and chief executive officer of Saving Our Women International, an outreach organization that assists women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. The group also holds workshops to help men and women avoid violent situations.

"I have been married for five years," Parker said. "Marriage is work. Two people are literally supposed to be one. I love my husband. I love being married to him."

On Saturday, she will speak about relationships at the church where her oldest brother is the pastor.

"We're just delighted to have her and sharing her wealth of information," the Rev. David January said. "She's been a blessing to me and my ministry. That's my baby sister."

"I'm going to talk about relationships as a whole," Parker said. "Man and wife, mother and daughter, co-workers, friends — bottom line is if you want a friend, you have to be friendly. We have to appreciate and respect each other, period. Friends are a gift. I'm going to talk about how I've grown and matured. God has shown me how to be a friend. We'll have a question-and-answer session, too."

For more information, call 983-3237.