Probablemente tenía 8 o 9 años la primera vez que fuimos a un refugio de Women Against Abuse, a mediados de la década de los ochenta. Era en [el oeste de Philadelphia], porque mi mamá estaba en una situación de violencia doméstica y necesitábamos encontrar un lugar seguro en el que vivir.

William Spratley flicks through the text messages on his phone until he finds the one he’s been looking for. It’s from his 27-year old daughter, Ameya, and it’s the last words he will ever exchange with her.

Ingresar al albergue seguro de Women Against Abuse, realmente irse para siempre, fue la culminación de 10 años de abuso en la relación; más discusiones, amenazas y noches sin dormir de las que Natalie* podría contar. Tenían hijos en común, compartían la vida y dependían del otro económicamente. No era fácil ponerle un fin a la relación.

Allison* cringed at her reflection in the mirror as she gently dabbed concealer over the bruises circling her eye.

Mike, a former police detective with the Philadelphia Police Department, has been working as the police liaison for Women Against Abuse, so that he can help survivors in ways he couldn’t as a detective.

I was 5 years old when my mom got a new job as a manager at a local KFC. She met a gentleman there who was a suave, smooth kind of guy, rode a bike, didn’t care about authority, and was the opposite of my father. My mom fell hard for him.

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

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.

I thought I had found THE ONE. I rekindled a friendship with someone who was God fearing, worked at the church and brought me closer to God. He would pray over me and for our relationship, and I thought he was my safe space. Until one day he wasn’t…

Jamie shared her story at the 2019 iPledge Campaign press conference.