DO YOU KNOW HER?

She's one of the 4 million American women abused every year by their husbands or partners. She wears bruises in the form of a handprint, because the man who once promised to love, honor, and cherish her forever now grabs her in fits of rage. Her once bright future has become a living nightmare, and her hope has turned to despair. She could be your friend, your sister, your daughter, or she could even be you. One out of every four women in American will experience abuse at the hands of their partners, so chances are you know someone just like her.

Domestic violence occurs among all ages, economic levels, and races. it is the single greatest cause of injury to women in America. It can range from threats and intimidation to death. In the U.S., four women die each day as a result of this violence.

Safe Space Inc. had more than 2400 contacts in 2006, 778 new clients and helped 129women and children find refuge at the local shelter.

WHY DOES SHE STAY?

• FEAR: He's threatened to kill her if she leaves, or to take the children.

• Her shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem are overwhelming.

• Limited resources, such as money, transportation, and employment.

• Affordable housing is difficult to find.

• Traditional beliefs about family and divorce, or religious convictions.

WHY DOES HE ABUSE HER?

To gain power and control over her, and because he gets away with it. In many cases, a lack of response from friends, family, and society simply reinforces the abuse.

CAN HE BE CHANGED?

Many women want to stay in their relationships. They just want the abuse to stop. Remember the abuse is not the victim's fault. Her partner makes the choice to use emotional and/or physical violence. Programs are available for perpetrators of violence in relationships. Though Safe Space supports these programs, success does not occur overnight. The abusive partner must want to change and must work hard at changing, usually over a long period of time. Research shows that accountability, including arrest, protective orders, jail time, and clear messages against the violence from relatives, friends, and community leaders may deter the abusive partner from using violence. Contact Safe Space for referrals to local perpetrator programs.

DISCLAIMER:  NO PHOTOGRAPHS ON THIS WEB SITE ARE OF ANY ACTUAL VICTIMS.