"After more than 10 years with my partner, I came to the hard realization that the relationship would not improve. I knew my children and I deserved to live in a safe environment. For the last five years of our relationship, I endured frequent verbal and physical abuse. My ex used our children against me - threatening to take them away if I tried to leave. He was also monitoring my every move and showing up at my place of work.
I felt like a prisoner.
I made the decision to leave in early 2020. I was working three jobs at the time to support our children. During the separation, my partner assaulted me at my place of work. He dragged me out of the store and across a parking lot. The next evening, my ex was involved in a car chase with my siblings thinking I was in the car and purposefully crashed his vehicle into theirs. He was then arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon.
After researching options, I was referred to AVDA by Bay Area Turning Point. I felt completely understood by the advocate who conducted my initial interview. AVDA made me feel safe, made me feel accepted, and offered me patience. I never felt judged for being in this situation. My AVDA attorney helped me obtain full custody and child support for my youngest child and has provided resources and guidance for custody of my stepson.
I am forever grateful to AVDA for their support. My children and I have recently begun utilizing their counseling services.
It took me over five years to end the cycle of abuse I was facing. I proudly share my story in hopes of helping anyone who lives in fear. You deserve to be happy, and you are not alone."
-Brooke, AVDA client
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