My name is Robyn, and I'm a victim of domestic violence. I came to the San Diego Family Justice Center in October 2004, two days after being assaulted by my abuser of five years. It wasn't the first time I had been assaulted; it was just the first time I had enough courage to call the police. Even though my abuser was arrested and in jail, I knew what he was capable of, and I knew I needed help. I found out about the Family Justice Center on the Internet. I came feeling afraid, exhausted, and completely hopeless about the future. I was at my breaking point, and I was desperate for answers. I never knew victims had rights until I came to the San Diego Family Justice Center.
Portraits of Courage
In February 2009 I was on a nine member Survivors Panel at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law Women’s Conference on Domestic Violence. At that time I had no idea what the Family Justice Center was but several of the panel members invited me to a VOICES committee meeting where I’ve discovered that a growing group of once powerless women are speaking up. I’m grateful to have made this connection.
My name is Rachel and I was a victim of domestic violence. I lived with someone who physically and emotionally abused me. I had a near-death experience, not once, but twice! But, I’m one of the lucky ones; I survived, I got away. My near-death experience brought me to a special and safe place.
In March of 1996, my life was changed forever. On that day, I came face to face with the reality that I was a victim of domestic violence. About a week later I began a journey that would last for many years.
Much of the success of that journey was made possible by the Family Justice Center which helped me move away from the world of domestic violence and all the pain, fear and suffering that surrounds it.
It's awfully hard to sum up six years of threats, hatred, and fear, and I know isn't over yet. I have spent the past six years with my son’s father targeting and harassing not only me but my children from my previous marriage, my sisters and their families, my employers (past and current), attorneys, judges.....you name it, he harassed anyone that had anything to do with me.
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www.familyjusticecenter.org
San Diego Family Justice Center (866) 933- HOPE (4673) or (619) 533-6000 www.sandiegofjc.org Therapy Services (619) 533-6089 Victim of Crime Compensation Program (800) 777-9229 www.boc.ca.gov San Diego Domestic Violence Hotline (888) DV-LINKS (385-4657) National Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-SAFE (7233) |
