“He had squeezed my arms until they were black and blue, dragged me from one room to the next by my hair, strangled me, shoved me up against walls, and held a gun to my head, but he had never hit me.”
“What I was asking from him was not above and beyond the realm of a healthy marriage. The truth was that I was being abused and I did not have to be! I could leave. I am strong. I am of value.”
“Only my children and I knew the truth. We were living a lie. I spent every day in fear. Our marriage became pure bondage for me.”
Dads play a pivotal role in their children’s lives, modeling respect, kindness, equality, compassion and healthy living choices that give their sons and daughters a foundation for understanding their own roles in ending violence and promoting respect in their communities.
“And even if we know it’s just a few harmless jokes between me and my dudes, it perpetuates the culture where it’s easy to confuse the link between the jokes and the bruise.”
Each time he beat her, choked her or made her feel less than- he apologized and she gained a tattoo as a symbol of his “love” and commitment to do better.
We received $20,000 in funding to use toward prevention efforts, specifically our Relationship Education Project.
This past year, Safe Harbor has done some introspection by looking at how we can be better and therefore, do better.
“I didn’t know that I was being abused because my definition of abuse looked different. My husband pushed me, but most of my suffering was verbal and psychological. I left my husband to protect our young daughter. Almost immediately I felt the weight of his oppression begin to lift. I could see a difference in my daughter as well. Then he broke into my home and assaulted me in-front of her.
I sought help and was led to Safe Harbor. My daughter and I are in counseling now. I am sorting out the mess that abuse has caused. I am finding my voice and seeking opportunities to grow and better my life as well as my daughter's. She will gauge her self-worth from my own self-worth. I must show her that she deserves the best, by expecting the best for myself.
Many years I suffered in silence. By telling my story and being honest with friends and family, I am taking control of my life again.”
MAKE A GIFTWhen you give to Safe Harbor, 82 cents of every dollar goes directly to our intervention services and prevention initiatives to break the cycle of domestic violence in the Upstate of South Carolina. |
BOOK A SPEAKERWe are available to provide domestic violence education and information about Safe Harbor’s services through speaking engagements, trainings, workshops and awareness campaigns. |
SUPPORT OUR SHOPSafe Harbor Resale Shop operates solely on donations from our generous community. Donations are tax deductible and make a difference in the lives of our clients. |
DONATE FURNITUREYour donated furniture can support our clients as they transition out of our programs and start a new life, and can also raise money for Safe Harbor by going to our Resale Shop to be re-sold. |
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