May is the month that we take time to celebrate Mothers. As I walked to my office this morning, I passed by a hallway with a collection of pretty gift bags lined up along the wall. Filled with a variety of goodies donated by supporters, these bags will be presented to moms in our emergency shelter on Sunday, with hopes of brightening their day and lifting their spirits.

Of the women served by our emergency shelter since 2008, close to half came to us with children. The decision to leave an abuser is never easy and becomes even more difficult when it involves children. 

There are as many reasons why someone stays in an abusive relationship as there are victims: love; belief in the batterer's promise to change; fear of losing (or harm to) the children, pets and property; financial constraints, isolation from family and friends, among many others. Most often the question of, "Why didn't she just leave?" more aptly turns into "It's a miracle they escaped."

Being a mother is never easy, and for a battered mom, the challenges are daunting. Each day, we are amazed by the strength, courage and perseverance of the women we serve. This is why The Shelter exists - to protect victims, to prevent abuse among future generations and to prevail over this social ill. 
Click here for an in-depth discussion about "Why Does She Stay?"