My name is Sandra and I am a survivor of abuse.  My experience with abuse happened quite unexpectedly as the comfortable lifestyle I thought I had quickly slipped away. It was a rainy day when it all started. I arrived home wet from the rain and so I quickly removed my clothes once I got in the door. When I got to the bedroom, my boyfriend was with another woman in my own bed.  I decided to confront him, but he got so upset and angry that he pushed me, kicked me and even spat at me; it did not matter when I told him I was pregnant. Afterwards, he threw me out on the streets in only my underwear; I did not even have any money. I was so scared and so cold that I began to shake and my mind went completely blank. Suddenly, a taxi cab stopped and the driver asked if I was fine, I could not say anything at all.  He took his jacket to cover me and kindly said that he would take me to a place where they would take care of me; he did not even charge me anything, and, that’s how I came to Nellie’s.

All through my pregnancy, I had access to Nellie’s programs- they helped me to find a place to live, they took me to maternity classes, and I attended the Violence Against women Group, where I realized that I was not alone, that there were more women like me. This became the beginning of a new life for me and my daughter. I also attended the Her Share group, and everyone was equally supportive. It was during the health workshop in the Her Share group that I realized that I wanted to give something back- to help women and kids. So, I eventually enrolled in college to take the Health Services program, and recently got accepted into a local University for a Medical Degree.

After I attended workshops and took part in the Supper Surprise Program at the Outreach office, after all the emotional ups and downs of leaving a relationship I thought would last forever, after hearing from staff and women in the groups that I was not alone, after all the support and care, after I saw my little girl grow and call me mom, and referred to Nellie’s staff as aunties, then, I finally started to believe in myself again as a strong, smart, self-sufficient woman.

I know I have a long way to go, but I know now that I have the support to do it, so, thank you Nellie’s counselors for never giving up on me, for standing by my side and not letting me go down. Also, thank you for the unbelievable work you do with women and kids and thanks for listening when I needed it.