Pamela came to Alexandra House’s emergency shelter because she could not defend herself and knew she had to escape her husband. She didn’t know what to do next, but she knew she couldn’t go back to what she was living in. As Pamela walked through the doors of Alexandra House, Camille already knew who she […]
Pamela’s husband grabbed her forcefully by the back of her hair, pulled her down on the bed, and aggressively put all his weight on top of her—she couldn’t move. She had just had major surgery. How could he be so careless with her? Her mind was overcome, trying to figure out how he had become […]
While another year draws to a close, we are full of reflection and gratitude for all the ways we have learned and grown. This time allows us to be thankful for the challenges, the opportunities, and the steadfast support along the way. We are grateful to have the perspective to reflect, though some are not […]
Roslyn wasn’t sure how things had gotten out of hand so quickly. She had agreed to meet him at her apartment one last time, but her decision had been made and the relationship was over. But the next thing she knew, she was confused and waking up in her own blood. He had done whatever […]
Rachel came to Alexandra House seeking protection from her abuser. For four years she was the victim of physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse. She had been cursed at; had dishes thrown and broken at her; was beaten with belts, broomsticks, and mental hangers; and was sexually trafficked. She didn’t know what she was […]
Emily had never had much luck in love. She went from one emotionally abusive relationship to the next, and eventually, they always became physically abusive. She never dreamed she’d get married, buy a home, or have a daughter until she reconnected with someone from high school. He wasn’t physically abusive. That is one thing he […]
Eve, a single mom of two young boys, was apprehensive about dating again after a painful divorce. But then she met Ronin who swept her off her feet with flowers, dinners, sweet words and kind gestures. Then little by little, Ronin’s sweet demeanor changed to one filled with insults and name calling—it became a constant […]
Monica felt like her life was pretty normal before that night. As a single mom she kept busy with her kids, work, and social life, including a bit of online dating. She met a man online and after a background check, she agreed to meet him for a couple of drinks. She had two margaritas […]
I didn’t have an idyllic childhood; in fact, my parents were drug addicts. This resulted in my three siblings and I being passed around from family member to family member. When my mom regained custody, we bounced around from place to place, shelter to shelter. Life was just as unstable and my mom wasn’t around much […]
One afternoon, Amanda and Sarah, both college freshmen, were hanging out with a group of college students they had recently met. They were excited to embark on new adventures and were enjoying the company of these new acquaintances. When Sarah left to attend a different party, Amanda stayed behind. “I felt comfortable, safe even, staying […]