Domestic Violence Resources

As someone who was a survivor of domestic violence and spent 30 days in a shelter with my son, I know first hand what the process is like from start to finish. I didn't realize in the beginning that there was more to abuse than just the physical aspect.

Common Types of Abuse: 

• Physical 
• Emotional
• Spiritual
• Verbal
• Financial
• Sexual

Keep in mind each type has many different levels and layers.

I ignored the signs for years before deciding to do something about it. Once I decided to leave for good it was almost too late. I can honestly say God intervened and the Holy Spirit was telling me to LEAVE. I listened and can only imagine what would have happened to me and my son if I hadn't in that moment. 

It's been almost a full 7 years since I left my abusive situation and sought resources. Although I do still have a few symptoms of complex PTSD in my life, I am thriving! I'm here to share my story with others and to advocate for the local intervention program that helped me. Although this one is in Georgia, every state has multiple resources just like this. It's better to look within the county you reside in to seek resources first, then look externally at nearby counties as many try to assist within their community. Every Sheriff's Department can assist with information on the local shelters, as can the county's Domestic Violence Task Force, if there's one available. 

Project Renewal Intervention Program, Inc. is who helped me. My son and I were able to receive housing for 30-ish days while the exit from our situation was fresh. During those 30 days I received group counseling, parenting classes, my son received counseling, and we were able to regroup. All of our needs were met while living in the shelter. I was able to find work and start within a week after leaving the shelter. I moved in with family until I could get back on my feet completely. I understand that this isn't an option for everyone, which is why shelters can assist with further housing resource options for you to look into. If the reason you are staying in an abusive situation is because of lack of support, find an intervention program like I did. All it takes is that first step on your part and the rest will fall into place. It might not always be super easy, but it's worth it to reclaim your life.

Upon leaving the shelter I continued trauma therapy for 6 months and started a job that I kept for the next 3 years until it prepared me for another amazing opportunity. I stayed plugged in to my family's church and this honestly helped my accountability so much. It's easy to doubt that you're doing the right thing when you leave an abusive situation. Your brain has been re-wired during the relationship to be bonded in a very traumatic way to the abuser. Leaving the situation requires time to unlearn all of the lies you've been told. It requires forgiveness to your own self and admitting that you deserve better. This is where it gets messy at times, because healing usually does not look beautiful. It can look like a break down in public from PTSD, or tears from mourning the loss of what you thought you had, but never actually did. It can feel lonely. This is where an intervention program like Project Renewal came in. They were there with me 24/7 those first 30 days. Then for a year later they called me and checked on me. It meant so much. My church also played a huge part in keeping me busy through different ministries. This was the part of healing that was beautiful. Helping other people and using what I went through to be there for others who were hurting was actually helping me. God has given me opportunities to give back to my community and I am so grateful for the growth since 2017 when I chose to leave. 

You are never alone. If you are experiencing abuse or aren't sure but would like to talk, there are 24/7 hotlines all over that are trained and confidential. 

24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 
English, Spanish, & interpreters are available in other languages
Click Here to view their website
Live Chat option is available on their website
SMS: Text START to 88788

Click Here for a list of local shelters based on your location.