Everyone deserves peace, respect, and safety in their relationships. Domestic violence often starts with what seems like small, controlling behaviors. It can escalate over time, developing into a pattern when one partner or family member exercises power and control over another.
Unfortunately, it often keeps getting worse.
Family Services Child Advocacy Center Director Ernest Britton shares, “When you don’t have a safe place to just relax, to just take a breath, you know, that is very devastating.”
Sandra* and her two children experienced this firsthand as survivors of a physically and emotionally abusive situation at home. When she decided to leave, Sandra was able to find respite at the Family Services emergency domestic violence shelter for two months.
While staying with us, she found a full-time job and worked with our Case Manager to secure an apartment with federal rental assistance in a safer part of town while her children started at a new school. Thanks to a slightly higher wage, she was able to purchase a car, which helps her with her independence and family transportation needs, allowing them to thrive.
Around 8,000 reports of domestic abuse are documented in Forsyth County annually. Many of these victims sought refuge at the Family Services’ domestic violence shelter. Currently, the shelter operates at maximum capacity. They are adults and children you see, but whose lives you cannot imagine.
Family Services provides resources for individuals and families coping with trauma from childhood abuse, domestic abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse – addressing the changing needs of our community. Survivors are provided with resources, dignity, and hope to reclaim their lives on their journey.
Today, Sandra is embracing her new life. “I’m no longer looking over my shoulder. I feel like I can finally breathe,” she says.
*Not her real name
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS LINE
336.723.8125
familyservicesforsyth.org | giveonestepcloser.org
