Over the last two weeks we’ve shared Lorna’s story with you – a true life account of one woman’s heartbreaking domestic violence experience. Your support of Safe Horizon, through our #PutTheNailinIt campaign, helps victims like Lorna get help, heal and rebuild their lives free from violence. Today we share the final installment of her story and ask that you help make a difference today by donating whatever amount you can to help us continue our life changing and lifesaving programs.

* This story contains details of a violent act that may upset readers.

Lorna’s Story, Part IV: “I was done fighting for my own life in my own house.”

(Missed Parts 1, 2, or 3? Read Part 1 here, Part II here, and Part III here)

I broke free from my partner and ran naked to a store across the street, looking for help. The people there knew me. They let me use the phone, gave me a jacket, and hid me in the bathroom until the police arrived. People inside the store had witnessed my abuser chasing me, before retreating back inside the house. When the police came, he was in his car trying to pull out of the driveway, but the police blocked his exit.

My partner was arrested for endangerment of a child, drug possession, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was jailed without bond.

The house was foreclosed and I sold everything inside. Speaking with domestic violence hotline advocates, I learned about my options and planned next steps for my family. I wanted to put physical distance between myself and my current environment, as well as be closer to my siblings. That meant moving myself and my children to New York City.

But we also needed care beyond what my siblings could provide. Safe Horizon promised psychological assistance, a support network, and temporary living space; we are now receiving all of those things and more.

At Safe Horizon, I have a voice. People listen. Not only am I surrounded by professionals trained to help survivors of domestic violence, I’ve formed a community and made friends. I’m never judged. If I have a problem, I can talk to either my case manager or any other staff member on-site. My days used to be full of worry, but now I’m more at ease. People are here to give aid, and there are endless resources to alleviate stress, emotionally and financially.

I need a lot of that support. But I also want to utilize this time as an opportunity to go to college, receive more education, so that I can go back to work. When I was living with my abuser, I was never certain that there would be a tomorrow. Now, I am able to think about the future, and am excited to work on personal goals. I hope to help others. I want to save people’s lives the way others have saved mine.

A word from Kyana Askin, Domestic Violence Case Manager at Safe Horizon:

“By taking the #PutTheNailinIt vow to end domestic violence, you not only support and sustain Safe Horizon’s mission, you save the lives of people like Lorna.

Victims of domestic violence have experienced instances of power and control dynamics, where one person attempts to gain power or control over another person using physical, emotional, sexual, or financial tactics. Many times, first steps in getting assistance are taken when an abuser does something that finally tips the scale, threatening safety. We are committed to being a resource during perilous times.

Our question is always “What brought you in today?” We listen to victims’ stories, lend encouragement, and give aid. We offer specialists and safe shelter, but we also offer day-to-day help for clients and their families, such as respite child care, transportation, and food—whatever we can do to supply peace of mind in the aftermath of abuse and during time of transition. Make your support visible by sharing hashtag #PutTheNailinIt on social media, to spread awareness. Paint your left ring fingernail purple to indicate your vow, and make a contribution to Safe Horizon today!”