Survivors' Comments

"Through my sadness I cry
Through my tears I am healed
Through my experiences I become enlightened."

"Since childhood, I had wanted to understand the meaning of real love. ...now, I consciously want to extend the circle of such love to everyone I meet..."

"...I do struggle with faith and truth but, for the most part, I live knowing I have the courage to be a survivor."

"I want to remind you that no one deserves abuse. We are all worth more then just taking whatever people dish out to use, no matter how much these people say they love use. If they really love use, they wouldn't hurt us. Period."

"I finally met a nice man. We have a wonderful relationship; their is trust, respect, love, and admiration for each other. He supports me in everything I do... we have a bright and beautiful future together."

"Today I am rebuilding my life and creating a place of safety and peace for myself and my children."

"I want every woman who is in a domestic violence situation to know that there is help out there for you. If you have children, don't let your children see any more of the violence. Be strong and brave. It is not your fault. You can get out of the situation. I did and I am happy now."

"It has been a long, Hard road, But with the love and support of my family and friends, New Directions, therapy, and my own strength, I have survived. Not all stories end this well, but it is my hope that the road I walk along becomes the freeway for my sisters who have not yet been set free."

"At times I wanted to give up, But I'm glad I didn't....I'm stronger than I ever thought I could be, and most important, I'm no longer afraid!"

"With the help of my family, friends, and New Directions-I am a survivor!...My passionate advice to other victims of rape and abuse is not to let the assailant get away with what he has done to you... No woman ever asks to be raped or abused, and she has the right to say, "NO!" Always believe in yourself, and you will become a survivor too."

"It took a lot of courage and strength for me to follow though with legal remedies and to trust the legal system. Today, I am free from the physical violence and emotional bondage. I am attending school and making a new life for myself and my children."

"Sitting on the other side of the table, looking at this pathetic woman, beaten, and still making excuses... blaming herself, made me wake up to what I'd done for years. There was no way I would ever let myself become someone's punching bag again... I've learned to live one day at a time. I live it to the fullest, thanking God for letting me have the chance to survive, and a chance to know how good life can really be after all.