I didn't know where to turn for a safe place for my children and me. Without a job, because of my ex's controlling behavior, I wasn’t allowed to learn the language and talk to other people. When I asked Hagir for advice, she asked me what I wanted to do and helped me with my choices. She said her job is to help me, not decide for me. I respect that. She connected me with a school and helped me learn the language. I want to say that because of her, I am safe now, and my kids are doing well.
R. S
My ex used to drink heavily, and every time he drank, he waved his gun at me. Even when our three-year-old and four-month-old baby were around, he kept me in the house. I’m not allowed to talk to people, He search my phone and have access to my email. I did not have a bank account or a job.
Every night, I was scared that this would be the last night. I live like that for three years until one night. He was too drunk and shot me. Thank God it hit my shoulder, and the neighbor called the police. He was arrested and I didn’t know what to do my friend give me hire‘s Facebook page and I reach out to her, luckily she responded. She helped me with the shelter, translated for me, and checked on me every day. I got WIC for my kids, health insurance, and food stamps until I got a job. I found a house and a church that helped me to learn and put me in an ESL class. It has been three years now, and because of Hege’s help, I have a good job and a certificate, and my kids and I are safe.
H. A
I was trapped at an airport with my three kids, running away from my ex, and when I reached out to hagir, she helped me with the ticket. She stayed on the phone until I got onto my airplane, and then she sent someone to come and pick me up. I stayed with them until I could get the help I needed. My face and neck were black and blue, with burns all over my back. I didn’t know where to turn, and if it were not for Hagir’s help, I wouldn’t know what my life would be like.
D. R
My ex used a wire to beat me with and choke me. He broke my arm in a different spot, and when my older son was to for him, he beat him badly. My family did not want me to involve the police until one day. He was choking me, and my 10-year-old called the police, and they came and found me unconscious. Thank God that my daughter called the police and called my older son. Even after we filed the protection from abuse, he was harassing me and the kids. We had to leave the state, and I reached out to hire to help me; she took the time to Talk to me because that’s all I needed: someone to listen and help me organize and nowhere to go. I asked her for classes and how to start my own business from home. She was patient with me and took my car.
L. E
My ex used to hit me in front of other people in the community, and no one stopped him or said anything. When one person called the police on him, the police asked me if he hit me. I said no so they didn’t do anything and when we went home, he was mad at the person who called the police and took it out on me, I almost lost my life. I needed help figuring out my next step, and when I reached out to Hagir, she took the time to help me figure things out.
F. M
