Our Impact

Survivor Stories

Celines found safe shelter, freedom, and healing

“Knowing what he was capable of, remembering the terror of his hands around my neck, I feared for my safety and my son’s life. I knew I had to leave.”

Stories

Sadida's Story

Just over a year ago, I arrived at a Safe Horizon shelter at 2 A.M, in the rain, holding my 11-month old daughter, Erhaa.  Earlier that night, I thought my husband was going to kill me.     In 2024, I moved to New York from Bangladesh to be with my husband and begin a new life together. We were friends…

July 13, 2026
Imani performing
Stories

Imani's Story

I don’t think I’ve ever had a stable home. I didn’t grow up with my mother and I never met my dad. I was raised by my aunt starting at the age of one, but she started to have mental health issues, lost her job, and pulled me out…

July 7, 2026
Two women sitting side-by-side, smiling at the camera.
Maya McHenry with Safe Horizon Deputy CEO, Lisa O'Connor.
Stories

Maya McHenry X Safe Horizon

Maya McHenry shares experience of domestic violence in an intimate conversation with Safe Horizon Deputy CEO Lisa A. O’Connor.

October 27, 2025
Heather Community Violence Survivor Safe Horizon
Stories

Heather's Story

When I lost my nephew Keondre to gun violence in 2021, my whole life came crashing down. At only 18, Keondre was senselessly shot multiple times. He went into the neighborhood deli, and he never came out.  I raised Keondre from the time he was four…

March 14, 2025
Stories

Loida's Story

My husband, Norman, and I had been living in the Philippines. We were looking for better-paying jobs in the U.S. to help support our families. A recruiting agency promised us the perfect jobs in Florida, so we eagerly agreed to their request to move. We believed that…

March 12, 2025
Support children and families in domestic violence shelters
Peggy Duffy Memorial fund
Stories

Peggy Duffy Fund

Peggy Duffy Fund to support renovation of safe spaces at Safe Horizon domestic violence shelters

November 21, 2024
Stories

Anonymous C's Story

When she escaped her trafficker, all she had was the $15 in her pocket.  Human trafficking can happen to anyone, in any part of the world. After being trafficked, a person’s things – identification documents, personal items, even clothing – are often taken away and withheld from them. It’s…

November 14, 2024
Stories

Mark's Story

At 19-years-old, Mark’s life took a sharp turn. He was living with his father in Harlem, studying electrical mechanical engineering, and engaged to his high school sweetheart. Then his mother lost her apartment, and Mark had a major falling out with his father. Unable to stay with other family,…

November 14, 2024
Stories

Abdul's Story

Losing his mother at a young age deeply affected Abdul. With no family to help him, he became homeless at 17. He stayed in men’s shelters for a short time and eventually found a community that would look out for each other along the A/C/E subway line. Through…

November 12, 2024
Stories

Krystaly's Story

Krystaly grew up in a family that experienced housing instability: her mom was raising Krystaly on her own and they were often in and out of shelter. Krystaly found it difficult to express herself and often clashed with her mother. Given their strained relationship, Krystaly chose to leave her…

November 9, 2024