Anne

“I am a victim of domestic violence.I was in the Women & Children First Shelter twice due to physical, mental, and emotional abuse from my partner of several years who is also the father of my children.

I’ve been through a lot with him, from threats to kill me and my children, to chasing me in public, to begging and crying for forgiveness. I have left and returned home several times. Most recently, I made that choice because my abuser told me he was awarded custody of one of my children and he was coming with the papers to get him. I found out later this was not true.

Since being at the Shelter I have learned that the abuse is not my fault and it’s okay to ask for help. We were forced to leave everything behind so the help that we got from the staff at WCF with clothing, food, and hygiene products was all provided. Anything they didn’t have at the Shelter, they helped us find resources to get.

The staff at the Shelter are wonderful, and while you think you’re weak and think you can’t get help or can’t move, the staff is strong for you and it helps you empower yourself and they help you feel strong.

Today, I feel like I can do it. I have beautiful children who are safe and I have hope for the future. I finally feel safe for once in my life. Before coming into the shelter I felt like I had no hope, and no one, but today I am taking the next step in my life and I know that my children and I will be okay.”