YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

FRESH START You could begin by reaching out for information so you know whatoptions are available to help you make the best decisions for yourselfand your family when you’re ready to make some changes. You maywant to call or visit local organizations that provide support toabused women and their children – your local YWCA, your religiouscentre, a family counseling agency, a cultural or immigrant servicescentre. You can go to a women’s shelter for information or support.You do not have to move into the shelter to use many of their services,but you can stay there at any time if safety is an issue for you.As you have more information, you’ll probably find that makingdecisions becomes easier.It’s important to keep safety in mind at all times as you start to makechanges of any kind in your relationship or your life. Even gatheringinformation can be dangerous if your abuser finds out what you aredoing.You can read the safety section of this book for good informationabout how to make a plan to keep yourself and your children safe.SHOULD I TALK TO MY FRIENDS?It can be hard to make the decision to talk to someone about yourabuse. You may be afraid they won’t believe you or will think it is yourfault. You might be worried they will tell your partner, or embarrassedabout the abuse and want to keep it a secret.Even though it seems hard at first, it’s very important to find someoneyou can talk to. Think carefully about who you trust and who willbelieve and support you. You want to talk to someone who willrespect your privacy and understand the safety issues behind nottelling your partner.The ideal person to talk to is a close friend or relative who you trustand who you think will understand your situation, because thatperson already knows you and will be able to help you in workingthrough your choices.However, you may not feel this gives you enough privacy. This isespecially so if you live in a small social, cultural or religiouscommunity and all your close friends and relatives are also friendswith your partner.In this case, you may need to go beyond your circle of family andfriends to a community organization or agency to find support and19