Voices of Hope - Personal Stories

These are true stories, shared by women who have found hope and help through Women's Center & Shelter's free and confidential services. Their names have been changed to keep them safe. These women represent a variety of ages, races, cultures, sexualities, socio-economic backgrounds and education levels.

Note: The audio recordings are large files; if you are on a dial-up Internet connection, you may find that your computer will not play them correctly.

Hear from Sarah, an immigrant who's building a new life after her husband physically abused her.

My name is Sarah and this is my story.  I survived years of brutal abuse at the hands of my husband.  The man who vowed to love, honor and cherish me pulled my hair, burnt me with cigarettes, slapped and raped me repeatedly.  I was frightened and as an immigrant, felt very alone. Then I sought help at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Through counseling, advocacy in the immigration department and courts, I am now building a new life. This is my voice.  There is hope. There is help.

Hear from Mary Ann, who's finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

My name is Mary Ann and this is my story.  After surviving psychological and financial abuse and on-going legal issues, I found help at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Through counseling, legal assistance and on-site day care, I was able to put my life back together.  For the longest time I didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel.  Today the sun is shining. This place works miracles. 

This is my voice. There is hope. There is help.

(Click here for Mary Ann's Voice of Hope.) 

Hear from Judith, who survived 30 years of verbal abuse.

My name is Judith and this is my story.  Think of it, having to ask permission for any decision you need to make.  Not being able to have friends or visit with family. Accounting for every penny you spend.  I spent over 30 years with a partner that controlled my every move and assaulted me verbally each day. Today, I am a very different person, happy and independent. I found myself again through counseling at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.  This is my voice. There is hope. There is help.

Hear from Terri, who is becoming a strong woman for herself an dher children.

My name is Terri and this is my story.  Imagine working sixteen hours days, every day without pay, being harassed and abused each day of your life. Things got even worse when I was pregnant. My tormenter was my husband. Today, things are very different for me. I found the help I needed at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. They provided whatever I needed; housing, counseling, legal help, a job.  They helped me become the strong women I need to be for my children.  This is my voice. There is hope. There is help.

(Click here for Terri's Voice of Hope.) 

Hear from Kim, who has found herself again after years of abuse.

My name is Kim and this is my story.  I spent years in a relationship fraught with physical and psychological terror. Isolation and intimidation were only part of the abuse I survived. I was ashamed, embarrassed, but mostly frightened by his continuous threats. I found the help I needed at the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Through advocacy, counseling and legal assistance, I have found myself again.  Working with the Women’s Center and Shelter has allowed me to look in the mirror and see the beauty that is there. This is my voice. There is hope. There is help. 

Hear from Sue, who found kindness and compassion in a Shelter support group.

My name is Sue and this is my story.  My partner of 20 years often beat me and locked me out of my home.  A friend referred me to Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.  I learned abusers can be the person you trust most. People hurt other people no matter what gender, race or sexuality. I found help through a Shelter support group. Call. Don’t be afraid.  You will be treated with kindness and compassion.  This is my voice. There is hope. There is help.

 (Click here for Sue's Voice of Hope.) 

Hear from Laurie, who turned to WC&S to help her son not to grow up to be an abuser like his father.

My name is Laurie and this is my story. My boyfriend waited until I was pregnant to start beating me. Everyone says it is so easy to get out. But it isn’t.  I always thought if someone hit me I would never allow it. But I did.  For 7 years I prayed for the strength to leave--to protect my son. I found help from the Legal Services at Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh.  They literally saved me.  I did not want my son to grow up to be an abuser like his father. This is my voice. There is hope. There is help.

(Click here for Laurie's Voice of Hope.)