Dear Friend,

Even if you thought you would never need this resource, keep reading please. We want you to know that you are not stupid, useless, or crazy. We want you to know that there is someone that will believe you, even though you may have been convinced by your abuser that no one would. We are the “no one” and we believe you.

Name the abuse. It is wrong and you don’t deserve it. No victim causes their abuser to act this way. It is not your fault or your children’s fault. You do not have to minimize the reality of what is going on in your home. You are not responsible for his behavior, words, or actions. You deserve to live a safe and peaceful life.

You are stronger than you think, you are stronger than you know. You have the ability to move toward safety, healing, and empowerment for you and your children. You are the expert. You know best, what steps to take, and when. Use the information and resources here to make informed decisions. Rely, too, on the people who can walk beside you through the process of leaving.

The journey forward from victim, to survivor, brings you to thriver! Those of us who have gone before you have succeeded in our journeys and are now encouraging you today.

-The Survivors Project