Why do we partner with Safe Shelter, Inc.?
Because we believe that God is honored when we support and come to the aide of defenseless women and children. Our commitment to Safe Shelter includes praying for the women and children who run to its doors in times of crises as well as supporting the efforts of the facility through practical ways... in helping to provide clean beds and mattresses, clean sheets, towels, blankets and baby items.
It's also because our hearts are moved for survivors of domestic violence when we receive personal accounts from the supervisor of Safe Shelter such as this:
One survivor story that has really stuck with me and reminds me every day of why I have answered the calling to do the work that I do is the story of "Kay" (real name will remain confidential.)
"Kay" came to Safe Shelter severely beaten and emotionally broken. She had just come from the hospital with cracked ribs, severed tendons in her fingers, severe sweliing and bruising in her face, and rug burn on her elbows and knees as a result of being dragged across the floor.
"Kay" had barely survived a beating at the hands of her husband the night before. She was beaten within an inch of her life and only survived because she played dead. She recounted the moments that she consciously held her breath so as to give the impression that she had in fact stopped breathing. Thinking that he had finished "Kay" off, her abuser went into the bathroom -- giving "Kay" enough time to open the front door and scream for help. Her neighbors, hearing all the commotion, called the police.
The beating continued until the police arrived. When the police did arrive, they found the abuser filling the tub with water. It is believed taht he was planning on drowning "Kay." "Kay's" abuser was arrested on the spot. He is being charged with attempted murder, among several other smaller charges and could face up to life in prison.
I went back with "Kay" the next day to her home to retrieve some of her belongings. The evidence of the beating of the previous night was everywhere -- blood was in puddles on the floor ans splattered on the wall. Evidence of "Kay's" attempted escape were also present; there were streaks of blood on the handle of the front door and bloody handprints were smeared at the base of the wall from where her abuser dragged her back.
"Kay" stated that it is only by the grace of God that she survived.