Breaking My Silence Twice
Shelley’s story describes what it was like living with emotional and financial abuse. Often survivors in these situations don’t feel like their abuse is ‘real’ abuse and stay silent for much longer. Shelley shares her journey to finally understanding her abuse, how she was both supported and ignored by those around her, and the lengths she had to go through to ensure safety for herself and for her children.
I’m Still Working Hard to Find My New Normal
Valerie escaped her abuser after a 13-year relationship, finding safety for herself and her 3 children. Like most abusive relationships, hers escalated steadily to almost deadly levels, while she hid signs of abuse from those around her. Read her story to find out how she survived both her abuser and the legal system to get to where she is today.
I Was Humiliated and Abused by My Own Family
Survivor Reshma experienced abuse at the hands of her family after immigrating from Pakistan. They use physical violence, threats, and oppression to keep her captive in her own home. To this day she suffers from the lasting effects of the violence inflicted on her by people who were supposed to protect her.
Survivor Retreat Helped Heal My Shattered Heart
Every year Break The Silence Against Domestic Violence holds a Survivor Sister’s Retreat. During retreat we experience a variety of workshops and activities to educate, empower, and connect with each other. Here we encourage each other to step outside of our comfort zone to truly experience healing like never before, and experience a lifelong transformation alongside our survivor sisters.
With Six Kids to Care for, I Was Trapped
Elizabeth met a man who would eventually become her abuser when she was in high school. Over the years, they had six kids, which only strengthened his control over her. The physical and financial abuse kept Elizabeth and her children trapped. She had nowhere to go for help, and no way to financially provide for six kids on her own, so she stayed hoping it was the best way to protect and provide for her children.
I Got Out, But I Am Still Fighting For My Child
Linda saw the warning signs early in her relationship and left. However, when she learned she was pregnant she returned. For years he stayed at home while she worked multiple jobs to make ends meet, only to be abused day after day. Eventually Linda was able to leave, but it created a custody battle. A custody battle that she continues to fight to this day.
