Journeys of Survival: Vicki B.
It took Vicki 10 years of escalating abuse from her husband to realize she was a victim of domestic violence. Every time she ran, Vicki returned hoping to forget his threats to keep her away from her sons. She made excuses for the abuse: stress, medications, a new baby. She saw her family less and less, and her friends stopped visiting. She became numb to the name-calling, belittling, insults, fists… “I felt trapped. His threats kept me a prisoner in my own home.”
By chance Vicki came across a brochure, which asked, Are you in a domestic violence relationship? A single “yes” to any of the 17 questions would mean that she was. She answered yes to all but one question. Terrified, Vicki realized how much she’d been controlled, manipulated and made to feel alone. “I had no feelings about anything. Then the tears wouldn’t stop.”
Beaten inside and out, Vicki resolved to put a stop to it. She and her sons left their home and for 13 weeks, Monika’s House Shelter, one of our services, became their home. We helped her obtain a restraining order against her husband. Through counseling and support groups she learned ways to stay safe, regained self-confidence, and shared her experiences with other survivors. Through art and play therapy sessions, Vicki’s boys processed their experiences and began healing. Later, Vicki said, “The advocates made us feel welcomed and loved like never before. They instilled inspiration.”
Vicki and her boys are now safe in their new apartment. Vicki is in a new relationship, which is healthy and fulfilling, the boys go to school regularly, and one of them is on a football team. They are renewing their lives and rediscovering their true selves.
Join us in empowering domestic violence survivors to start over in safety. Your contribution to Domestic Violence Resource Center will help keep your relatives, friends, neighbors, or coworkers out of harm’s way. Please browse our website to learn more about getting involved; to donate online, click here.
When you make a gift today you will show all domestic violence survivors they are not alone and that you care. Please consider using all or part of your kicker refund for your contribution. For example, $500 will cover the cost of the entire 6-week shelter stay for a survivor like Vicki.
Thank you for your generosity. Happy Holidays!
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More stories:
Editorial: Holiday Giving
Volunteer Spotlight: The Rindel Boys
House Rules: Monika’s House Shelter as a Temporary Home
Invitation: Free Holiday Concerts with ISing Community Choir
