Your safety is our top priority – Sam’s Story

*Sam is a survivor of physical, financial, and emotional abuse who lived in constant fear of her abuser. Despite her efforts to escape, her abuser continued to stalk her and her family, forcing them to live without stability and safety. Sam, her four children, and cat traveled county to county for months, living in hotels, on friends’ couches, and any place that could provide refuge. Unfortunately, no matter where they went, her abuser found them.

Sam’s abuser was particularly calculating, he contacted law enforcement agencies throughout the state to warn them about the brutal attack he was planning on Sam and anyone who was helping her. Sam was referred to our hotline where she spoke with a compassionate advocate who helped create a safety plan tailored to her needs until she was able to safely relocate to Orange County.

Through our hotline, Sam and her kids were offered safe haven in our emergency shelter. Law enforcement even escorted them from out-of-county to ensure safe arrival. Sam stated she began to give up hope and was ready to surrender to her abuser, but thanks to the hotline advocate who took time to truly listen, validate her experiences, and offer a safe space free of judgement, she knew she had the strength to keep going.

We understand that sharing your story through a hotline call can be a daunting and scary experience. That’s why we have specially trained advocates who are not only compassionate but also trauma-informed and efficient in assessing survivors’ needs. Our advocates are here to help make an intimidating experience feel less invasive and threatening, and to provide hope for help. You don’t have to go through this alone.

In the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year, our hotline received a staggering 9,837 calls, highlighting the critical need for services to support survivors of domestic violence. Our hotline advocates play a vital role in providing life-changing and life-saving services to those affected by domestic violence. Each call is answered by an advocate who has undergone extensive training to provide trauma-informed support to survivors like Sam.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, know that you are not alone. Our hotline is here to help and provide support. Our advocates are available 24/7 to listen, offer resources, and safety planning. We understand that reaching out for help can be scary, but we assure you that our hotline is completely confidential and free. Your safety is our top priority. Don’t wait, call us now and let us help you take the first step towards a safer future. Remember, you deserve to live a life free from abuse.

*Name changed to protect identity.