Stories
Domestic Abuse
We help women and children recover from abusive situations and move forward with confidence and hope. The following is a collection of stories, reported by our staff, of clients who have experienced domestic abuse. Their names have been withheld to protect their privacy and safety.
Taking Control
My client is a young Afghani girl who was living with her husband and mother in law. She is beautiful, smart and wanted to educate herself not only to contribute to the family income but also to feel confident and boost her self-esteem. She did not realize that her husband and mother-in-law had other plans for her.
Finding Independence
My client came to me when her husband, who was 20 years older than her, had not asked her to come back home after an argument they had. She had married him after a broken marriage in Pakistan. She had health issues and he promised to take care of her. Little did she know he had a hidden motive in marrying a younger woman.
Moving Forward with Confidence
A client of ours reported her husband to the police and he was put into jail. The police were to let her know when her husband would be released. She did not get the message. One day after his release, he came looking for her and slashed her from ear to ear. A neighbour helped tie her chin to keep it from dropping and called 911.
Regaining Self-esteem
A client of ours was a victim of sexual assault. She was not only raped by her boyfriend, but was gang raped by her boyfriend’s friends. She received no support from her family who come from a very orthodox background. Her family labeled her as damaged goods.
Success Stories
We are proud of our efforts to support and assist newcomers, refugees, those in poverty and isolation, and victims of any type of violence. Here are just a few of their success stories.
Through SAFSS, I’ve learned a lot about Canadian culture, multiculturalism, diversity and that most important thing is having confidence in expressing myself, and having positive interactions and connections. – Shanzida Kabir
I do not know how I am going to pay back to the teachers and staff. They guided our family in the right direction and helped our family during the tough period of our lives. Their patience, understanding and kindness helped us and encouraged us not to give up. Many newcomers would fall into depression if there were no such services. Thank you, SAFSS, thank you Canada. – Dhruba Kumar Gautam
I humbly say to my teacher a million thanks for helping me understand and be understood. It may sound silly, but I no longer hear my clients say, pardon me, because I can now speak clear English. Furthermore, without the dedicated support of Ms. Manpreet and the rest of the staff, I would not be where I am now. I wholeheartedly say, May God Bless you all, from the bottom of my heart as words are not enough to express my gratitude. – Sarah Munuz