Jayla
“The cycle of violence ends with me.”
“Before entering the shelter, I was in an abusive marriage for 10 years. I grew up with violence and thought it was normal. And I honestly believed my ex-husband would never hurt our kids. But the day he did was the day I realized we had to leave.
Raphael House was a safe haven for my family when we had nowhere else to go. They’ve been there for us though the ups and downs, and helped me learn that I deserve respect and love. Now I teach my children that they have a right to this, too.
Coming here was the best thing I’ve ever done for my family. I felt empowered and safe for the first time in my life. The cycle of violence ends with me.”