"Three years have passed .."

since he cut me off from my parents and family. I would stare at the baby and remember how much hope I had when she was born.

I thought the beatings, the threats and the humiliations would surely stop, and maybe we would become a normal family. But the noose just tightened around my neck, the violence just got worse. I wasn't even sure I was allowed to breathe.

When I heard on the radio that a woman had been killed by her husband, I took our girl and went to Bat Melech - Miklat. The unconditional warmth and dedication of the staff lit my path and allowed me to believe in myself and my capabilities once again. Finally, I have a home. -Rachel

Read more stories about women and children at our shelters..