How You
Can Help:
GO TO: Helping You
Surviving a lifetime of abuse
It has been over six months since I was a client at WRC. As my life begins to take form and begins to come into fruition, I cannot forget those who made this all possible for me and my children. Had it not been for WRC, for Debbie Mac, for Val ... for so many of the staff at WRC, I may not even be alive today to tell you how much your program means.
I came to WRC basically against my will and all sense of good judgement. The police officer who responded when my abuser assaulted me didn't leave room for me to rely upon my opinions as to what was the best course of action for me to take. I am grateful for that. He perhaps was the first key factor in preserving my life. My time at WRC was not something that I have a lot of memory of, as I know now that I was in shock as to what had happened to me and the seriousness of the situation.
The judge sitting on my protective order also knew what I wasn't seeing. He told me to run, to leave all that I had ever known. I wasn't inclined to listen to him very well. Again, shock. Debbie Mac understood what I didn't. She told me to run. Today, I am grateful for those who know what DV and SV does to a person's ability to judge. My children can avoid becoming statistics because of the experience and knowledge stemming from WRC.
After going through several shelters in Virginia, I began to understand the depth of domestic violence a bit clearer. I would not be able to escape the grasp of my abuser without intensive help. With the help of some good folks, my children and I were relocated and began the process of an identity change. But, still, I can't forget who helped me, who's concern for my life and the lives of my children pushed us to leave our comfort zone. I didn't get it for a long time, and I didn't want to accept it for even longer. For that, I may have missed out on some excellent opportunities.
You must know that the service provided through WRC is exceptional. Through my travels across the country I encountered numerous shelters. There has been only one shelter that even compared to WRC for their extensive knowledge, compassion, and commitment to protection of victims of domestic and sexual abuse. I have recommended WRC as an example to exemplify to two state agencies on domestic violence shelter improvement programs with full conviction that every shelter should be as exceptional as WRC.
I do not know who your donors are, but they need to know that they support an efficient, effective, and incredible shelter. I learned more about myself, about domestic violence, and about safety from WRC than any place else. They are, without question, the greatest reason my children and I are alive today. Please do not give up, do not weaken in your resolve to bring about change in our communities and our homes. The work of WRC is not only necessary, but vital for women. Although most women return to their abusers, with the sort of support and amount of effort I experienced from WRC, I believe that number can easily change into a much smaller one.
I want to thank WRC for all they have done for me and my children. My greatest hope is that one day soon I will have risen up from this seed into something that can provide substance back to WRC. My debt and gratitude are higher than the highest mountains. May you receive tremendous support and peace.
Regards,
A former client