STORY 1

When I was 21 and still in Pakistan, I was forced to marry my mother’s cousin. He was 18 years older. In my culture, arranged marriages are common. I was taught that a woman must obey her husband no matter what, so when the verbal and emotional abuse began, I stayed silent.

After we moved to the U.S. and had two children, I hoped things would get better. But they got worse. He started hitting me. Then he began hitting my son. I was terrified he’d take the kids or do something even worse, but I didn’t know where to turn. I was truly alone.

One night, he tried to choke me. The neighbors called the police. I remember a kind officer telling me, “You don’t deserve this.” Something clicked.

I called Interval House and spoke with Carol Williams, who advised me to come in. I was scared. Shelters, I thought, were awful places. But when I arrived, I saw my kids laughing on the playground. Women were talking and supporting each other. I hadn’t been allowed to have friends, so that really moved me.

Carol explained the programs they offered: therapy for me and my children, classes about abuse, and support that respected my faith. They even gave me separate dishes so I could cook according to my beliefs. I felt truly seen and safe for the first time.

Eventually, I trained to become a domestic violence counselor. Today, I’m the Director of South Asian Programs at Interval House, helping immigrant women find their way out of abuse and shame.

It wasn’t easy. I didn’t think I could do it. But Carol believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.

I wouldn’t call myself a role model, but I’m proud that my kids see me now as strong. I wish I’d known about this place sooner, because abuse breaks your spirit.

But there is a way out.