Laurie

Laurie’s husband used to abuse her with both his fists and his wallet.

She felt trapped. If she stayed with him, she was physically abused. But if she left him, she faced raising her children in poverty and a constant struggle to make ends meet.

Her husband controlled all of their money and used his control to threaten and terrorize Laurie. When that wasn’t enough, he used physical assault. Often, he used both at the same time.

“I didn't press the matter of finances very often with him because to do so would, more times than not, trigger his outbursts,” she says.

Laurie finally reached out for help. She contacted a women’s shelter in North Vancouver, where she found both emergency shelter and long-term support. The staff helped her to apply for social assistance so she would have an income, to get free legal services, and to find affordable housing.

“It has been a very long road to where I am today, which is safe,” says Laurie.

“Now, I can better focus on healing and building myself back up.”