Transitional Housing and Support Services for Domestic Violence Survivors

SUCCESS STORIES



I was living with my now ex-husband and three boys  in Utah.  He was physically, emotionally, verbally, and financially abusive for eight years.  With the support of my family I made the decision to leave him.  The police were called and they escorted me to a domestic violence shelter.  I stayed there overnight and the next day my mom and little sister picked me up, and I stayed at a friend’s house overnight.  The next day we took a U-haul to the house and packed up my things and the childrens items.  The police were there while we packed to make sure my ex-husband would not interfere.  When we left, he followed for a while, but we were able to escape without him knowing where we went.  I had found out about a shelter in Southern Utah where we could get some help.  I was able to file for a protective order and a mutual restraining order.  The local domestic violence shelter referred me to the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation where I was put on a waiting list for an apartment.  Another agency helped me pay for my deposit and first month’s rent.   This experience has changed my life for the better.  I can now breathe and know that everything is going to be okay.  Before the move, I panicked because I did not know how I would function on my own, but I have been able to learn how to live on my own.  I was in my late 20’s when I finally got my driver’s license and my first job.  I have attended a support group where they listen and do not judge my situation.  I now realize that I am stronger than I first thought and that I can make it on my own.