Growing up in a loving family and surrounded by good friends, no one knew that Sandra was in an abusive relationship.
“I did not recognize the abuse until it escalated, and I knew that I had to leave,” she says.
Feeling scared and alone, Sandra didn’t want to leave her home when she went to Second Stage Safe Haven, a United Way funded partner that provides housing and support to women and their children who have fled domestic violence.
“I didn’t think this would ever happen to me,” she says. “I tried to keep the abuse hidden. I felt ashamed and embarrassed.”
Sandra says she was unable to support herself at that time in her life.
“I did not know what I was going to do,” she says.
But Sandra’s life has turned a corner, thanks to the support she received from Second Stage.
“Since then, I am proud to say that I have found my way. I got counselling and support from the staff, went to programs and group get togethers, where I met others and knew that I was not alone. This helped me to feel better about myself and ways of dealing with stress and anxiety.”
Later, she went back to school and found a good job.
“I feel confident and in control of my life.”