Nadine's Story: Survivor of Domestic Violence

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Fleeing domestic violence, finding safety and support

Seventeen years is a long time to endure an abusive marriage, especially if you are only 17 years old.  Duane* had watched his father terrorize his mother his entire life—witnessing the endless insults, threats, punches and bruises even though his mother, Nadine*, tried to hide them.  Nadine had thought of leaving a million times, but feared she wouldn’t be able to provide Duane and his little sister Melissa* a stable home on her own. 

One night, Duane’s father became enraged.  As he raised his hand to hit Nadine, Duane stepped between them.  Emboldened by her son’s courage and fearing that his father’s retaliation, Nadine called Safe Horizon’s 24-hour Domestic Violence hotline - 800.621.HOPE (4673).

After validating her feelings, her hotline advocate offered Nadine a range of Safe Horizon services to help protect herself and her children—everything from assistance filing orders of protection to confidential shelter.  Within days, Nadine, Duane and Melissa had moved safely into one of Safe Horizon’s confidential shelters. 

By making one call, Nadine not only learned of legal rights and resources available to her, but she also began to realize the depth of her own strength, courage and capacity to protect herself and her children.