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A Survivor's Story: Grace
Domestic violence kills more than
three women in the United States every day, often leaving
children parentless in its
aftermath.
In November 2007, Grace came
dangerously close to becoming a statistic.
She was barely an adult – just 18
years old – when she met Patrick.
He wasn’t the love of her life. He
was just better than what was going on in her home.
Grace needed a way to escape her
father. Patrick’s offer to move in together seemed like her
ticket to safety. Grace cared for Patrick. Maybe even loved
him. She could overlook his lack of affection because she
thought she was safe.
Eventually, Grace and Patrick
married and started a family together. His physical abuse began
with her first pregnancy.
Patrick made it clear that Grace
was never to call the police. He told Grace that he wouldn’t
stay in jail forever. And when he was released, he would kill
her family. Patrick always carried his gun to make sure Grace
knew he was serious.
Grace believed Patrick’s threats so
she continued to endure his abuse for 10 years.
One evening while visiting friends,
Patrick became upset and threw Grace into a wall. She was able
to escape and make her way back home. Grace sought the help of
The Julian Center to file a protective order barring Patrick
from coming near her or the children. She quickly moved her
children to another location.
One night, Grace locked up her home
and put her three young daughters to bed. It wasn’t long before
Patrick arrived and broke into the house. He put a gun to her
head and threatened to kill her. He would later try to strangle
her. Using a cigarette lighter, he set the house on fire.
Patrick was
determined to kill his family that
night.
The police arrived and Grace and
her children were able to escape to The Julian Center.
Grace has so many things to sort
out. She is trying to understand what happened with her
father. And, she is slowly recovering from the emotional trauma
resulting from ten years of threats and abuse.
Her children will need counseling
and support to recover from their experiences. Grace says her
daughters were always afraid that “daddy would make mommy go
away forever.” Their grades have suffered and her youngest
daughter is acting out in anger.
Their short-term goals are very
simple. Grace and her
children want to wake up one day
and feel better.
There is a part of Grace that is
still very sad. But she gets up everyday and works to create a
new life for herself and her children.
She lives in The Julian Center’s
transitional housing program where her family participates in
therapy. Grace is currently employed but hopes to find a better
paying job that will help her save money for a new home. Every
step of the way, the staff of The Julian Center will be by her
side to offer support.
It is up to Grace to make a new
life for herself. But while she is staying at The Julian
Center, Grace will never have to feel alone. Someone will
always be near to offer support and encouragement.
In 2007, approximately, 600 women
and 600 children stayed at The Julian Center Shelter. Every
dollar donated has made a difference in each of their lives.
Thank you for supporting their efforts |
