Our relationships and families should provide us with the things we all need: like love, being cared for, support and safety. But sometimes this is not our experience. Many people experience domestic violence. Telling your story can provide hope and strength to others who may be in similar situations. It lets them know it happens to other people too, there is help and - most importantly - they are not alone.

If you would like to share your experience on how the TODAY Centre helped you and would like your story included on this page, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Personal information will be kept strictly confidential and by sending us your story you agree that your story may be shared on our website and in other TODAY Centre publications.

Thank you for helping us to help others.

The following story is an example of the successful work of TODAY Centre:

Rachel, a 31 year old woman, accessed the TODAY Centre as a walk-in. Rachel explained to the TODAY Centre Resource Worker that her common-law partner of three years yells at her, calls her names, and puts her down regularly. She also shared that her partner has punched and slapped her on several occasions. She feels she is ready to leave her partner, but is unsure of how to go about this and feels overwhelmed by the idea of doing this on her own. The Resource Worker provided emotional support to Rachel and discussed the options available to Rachel should she decide to leave her partner. Rachel tells the Resource Worker her partner has prevented her from working for several years and, as a result, she is very worried she cannot afford to leave her partner. The Resource Worker advised Rachel she has the option of applying for financial assistance with an Alberta Employment and Immigration worker on site at TODAY Centre. The Resource Worker also discussed Rachel's option of accessing a local women's shelter and explored ways of increasing Rachel's safety, whether she chooses to leave her partner or to stay in the relationship. While discussing Rachel's safety, Rachel shared she does not have a cellular phone. The Resource Worker provided Rachel with a free Safe Connections cellular phone that allows Rachel to make emergency calls.

Over the next three weeks, Rachel meets with the TODAY Centre Resource Worker. Rachel is able to secure temporary financial assistance through Alberta Employment and Immigration. During their meetings, Rachel develops a comprehensive Safety Plan for leaving her partner in the safest way possible. With Rachel's permission, the Resource Worker brought a constable from Domestic Violence Intervention Team (DVIT), one of the TODAY Centre's co-located programs. The DVIT Constable discussed Rachel's options should she chose to report her partner's abuse to the police. Consequently, Rachel is successful in leaving her partner and finding an apartment of her own. During her last meeting with the TODAY Centre Resource Worker, Rachel shared she now feels safe for the first time in years and thanks the Resource Worker for her support and helping her to believe she deserves a life free from abuse.