Can you imagine laying in bed next to the person who held a loaded gun to your head, threatening to shoot you and have your child clean up the mess? Fayette Cares Victim Advocate and abuse survivor Amy Johnson doesn’t have to imagine, she lived it.
The abuse started when she was just a teenager and progressed over the years. She was chocked, beaten from head to toe with a belt buckle, shot with arrows, her ribs were broken, and threatened in countless ways. These are only a few of the horrors she endured.
Amy thought there was no possible escape until she met a Victim Advocate in court. The advocate told her about shelter services that would help her find safety. From that moment Amy’s life began to change. She was able to rebuild her sense of worth and security. She started to work, regained custody of her son, and develop skills to overcome Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
She not only escaped, she broke the cycle of violence and never again experienced an abusive relationship. As a Fayette Cares Advocate Amy now works with fervor, living her dream of continuing to break the cycle by working with women who struggle to escape abuse.
Amy shares, “when I tell people I’m a survivor, I’m often asked ‘why did you stay?'” The reasons are many, including fear, financial dependency, concerns for the children, religious beliefs, and much more. But Amy urges to instead support victims by asking “do you know about the services of Fayette Cares?” Share that an advocate can help them end the cycle of violence.
“If it wasn’t for the shelter and advocacy provided to me, I would not be standing before you.” Amy is a testament to the value of the life-changing services of Fayette Cares.
The work of Fayette Cares can’t be done without you. Please give generously so that we can be there for the next victim who is trapped in a violent home.
