It took tremendous bravery to operate under enemy fire while deployed alongside Army Rangers. But when the battlefield was her home and the assailant her husband, this combat veteran needed help. The abuser destroyed her self-esteem, wouldn’t allow her to work, and controlled the money. “We were going without food because he controlled everything.”
The more she fought the situation the worse the abuse, until she felt defeated. She didn’t even recognize herself.
She and her two year old daughter were casualties of a war at home. “He would push and shove me around, even when I was holding her.” The trauma of witnessing violence takes a toll, especially for a child. “She was waking up with night terrors … crying and screaming.”
“I even slept with a hammer next to the bed… and that’s terrifying.” She mustered all the bravery she could and decided she and her daughter would flee. Without a job, money, family or friends, she called a domestic violence hotline for help. “I left with $5, six diapers and a change of clothes.” Because of your support she found safety at the Fayette Cares shelter. Your contributions provided emergency housing, food, clothing, toys, and the resources to help her find a job. A great job.
She is determined to break the cycle of violence for herself and her little girl. “My goal is that she never sees that, ever again.” Your continued support will help this and many other families reclaim their lives. Please make a contribution, perhaps a recurring gift by visiting https://fayettecares.org/product/donate/ .
