As many in our society contemplate why these survivors don’t leave their abusers, the survivor themselves live within a world where the actual abuse takes a backseat to more important issues like love, loyalty and survival.
Statistics tell us that the most dangerous time for a survivor is when she attempts to leave the relationship and escape from the cycle of violence. Laura was one of those statistics in our own community.
Laura’s daily life was filled with strength and determination as she met each new day free from violence and abuse. Her rewards were added courage and strength, and making life long goals a reality. This gave her the self-esteem and power to keep pushing forward.
On the night that Laura’s life was taken, she and a friend were out for the evening to celebrate her accomplishments and her new sense of freedom. A freedom her abuser never allowed her to realize. Laura once vowed that when she left shelter she would return and help other women who share in her struggle to survive. Laura’s Place is not just a place for women to make a start fresh, it is also the fulfillment of a legacy. May every woman who has the privilege to call Laura’s Place home, follow her example of strength, courage and perseverance.
Although Laura’s Place will give residents the time and services necessary to start down the road of survivorship, this is not the end of our support.