YWCA Fresh Start start 3:Layout 1 - YWCA Canada

YWCA CANADA | A TURNING POINT FOR WOMENIf you are making legal decisions, it is very important for you to talkto a lawyer who can give you advice based on the specific details ofyour situation.Dealing with abuse can be frightening, painful and lonely. This bookwill not take away the painful feelings, but it will help you tounderstand them and realize that as time moves on, your feelings andcircumstances will change.This book is intended to support you in making the choices you needto make to keep yourself, and your children if you have any, safe. Yourchoices might be very different from another woman’s because youwill decide what to do based on your personality, yourspiritual/religious/cultural/political values, your abuser’s behaviour,your financial situation and many other factors that are unique toyou.This book is a resource. You can use it to gather information and findresources and supports before you need them, to think about whatchoices you might want to make, to help you know what questions toask when you are ready to talk to someone about your situation, andto support you in talking with your children about what is going on.Only you know what choices are right or wrong for you.Use the information that is relevant to you in a way that is helpful toyou and your family. Read the parts of the book that are helpful orinteresting to you right now and save the rest for later.Most importantly, remember that there is no shame in wanting tomake changes in your life. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to askfor support and help if you need it.We hope the information in this book will help you feel less alone andmore ready to take the first steps on whatever path you have decidedis the right one for you.6