The James House Intervention/Prevention Services, Inc.

My name is Karin. I was married for 9 years and for most of that time my husband, Sean, was abusive. It started with phone calls and text messages wanting to know where I was and who I was with. Then he told me I couldn’t see my friends or spend time with my family.

He wouldn’t let me work and stopped me from going to church. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t do anything right. I thought there was something terribly wrong with me.

When he hit me the first time and said, “See what you made me do,” I believed I deserved it. I was so ashamed I couldn’t tell anyone what was going on. One day Sean grabbed a knife, threw me to the floor, held it to my throat and screamed, “I’ll kill you!” My youngest child was there and yelled, “Daddy leave mommy alone!” When I saw the fear in her eyes, I knew I had to get out.

I was scared but I called The James House crisis line. The advocate listened to my story and immediately made arrangements for safe shelter and helped me get a protective order. The kids and I started counseling and support group, my advocate helped me get set up in my own apartment and I’ve found a part-time job. Thanks to The James House, my children and I are safe and starting to rebuild our lives.

CVC Code: #7459

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