Help and shelter house

« That day, without a scratch, my heart beating far too fast, I heard myself say over the phone: “It’s now or never.” They understood. Courageous or desperate? Despite the cancer, an empty bank account and the COVID lockdown, I finally left what I had loved more than myself for ten years. I was safe and accepted without judgment, but rather with calm, warmth, smiles and... Purell. First, I was allowed to rest. With respect, tenderness, and plenty of laughs through the tears, I felt listened to, heard, acknowledged, informed, supported, encouraged, and guided. The kind-hearted angels at La Maison d’Ariane knew and understood the secrets I was shamefully carrying in my heart. Afraid, tired and anxious, I did the right thing by opening up and trusting. At the age of 56, after two years, I now know that I made the right choice. I’m slowly finding doors that I couldn’t see before because they were too far away. You might think it’s not your place to say anything. You might even think that you’re the cause, that the violence is justified even though it’s gratuitous and intentional. Even if you are told you’re the violent one, it is up to you. No one deserves to be in this state. »

« I’ll never forget the day I freed myself from the control and power that my violent ex-husband had over me. For years I cried, trembled, and fell many times. That day, I decided to stand up to him for the first and last time. I knocked on his door to pick up my daughter because he had not brought her back home as planned. I stood up straight and looked him right in the eye. Outwardly I seemed very calm, but on the inside my heart was nearly bursting out of my chest. He looked away first. He was the one who hunched his shoulders and could not hold my unwavering gaze. I’ve never had to write down what I said to him that day because it is imprinted in my memory and will be until the day I die. Softly, I said to him: “No one is above the law. I don't have the right to break the law, and you don't have the right to break the law. I’m telling you that from now on, you will never again have control over my life, you will never again have power over my life. I am the one and only person who can decide what happens in my life. I'm not afraid of you anymore.” No matter how much he “lost it,” he couldn't shake me. I took my daughter by the shoulder, and we left. That day, an enormous weight was lifted from my shoulders. I was able to spread my wings and fly away! »