I was probably 8 or 9 the first time we went to Women Against Abuse’s shelter in the mid-1980s. It was in [West Philly] and it was because my mom was in a domestic violence situation and we needed to find a safe place to live.

Sarah joined Women Against Abuse in September 2010 through a partnership program with the German peace and volunteer organization ARSP.

Former emergency safe haven resident Dana*, exuded intelligence and bright-spirits, and had worked hard for her credentials.

When I first met my abuser, I was just 14 years old and he was 20. I thought I was in love, so I ignored the disapproval of my mom and sister.

“We were just a couple trying to make a relationship work,” reflected Laticia.

Justine got to know Eric in college, while working part time at a Virginia-based home improvement store. They began casually dating in 1999, eventually marrying in May of 2006. Looking back, her sister, Lauren, can see the red flags.

Alyssa*, a person with a disability who uses a wheelchair, was living with her parents.

I was 23 years old, a single mother, and pregnant with my second daughter. My fiancé had a drinking problem, and I took a lot of busted lips and sore arms until our daughter was born. I realized if I didn’t get out, my daughters wouldn’t see me as a strong person.

Entering the Women Against Abuse safe haven – really leaving for good – was the culmination of 10 years of relationship abuse; more arguments, threats and sleepless nights than Natalie* could count. They had children together, shared a life together, depended on each other financially. It wasn’t easy to break things off.