Salvation Army Helps Client Heal After Escaping Abuse

A few months ago, Nicole (not her real name) from Truro, N.S., lived in an unbearable situation. She dealt with daily domestic abuse, which affected her physically and mentally. To escape her reality, she turned to The Salvation Army, an organization that helped her family for generations.

“Some days, the violence and abuse were just too hard to take. I would come to The Salvation Army to get a little peace between my house and work,” Nicole says. She left home saying she was going to get some bread, but instead would come to The Salvation Army to talk with the staff and get her mind away from her troubles, even just for a short moment.

“The smiling faces here got me through a lot of pain. To hear people chat and share stories gave me confidence to get through that day. This was the only place where I could breathe,” Nicole shares.

During her visits to the Army, Nicole formed a close bond with Shannon Skafte, a community and family services worker. Shannon encouraged Nicole to leave her difficult situation, assuring her that The Salvation Army would support her.

“The smiling faces here got me through a lot of pain.”

In the summer of 2024, Nicole left her home and did not return. Although she felt uncertain, she remembered feeling a sense of relief upon arriving at The Salvation Army.

“I’ve never looked back. I’ve always had faith that I did the right thing,” she says.

Nicole was able to find an apartment on her own soon after. Since she had to leave most of her belongings behind when she fled, The Salvation Army provided her with a bed, clothes, and gift cards to buy household items.

“They helped me every step of the way.”

In addition, Nicole received emotional support, which has helped in her healing journey.

“I receive support here and from therapists at different organizations, to which The Salvation Army has referred me. I can stand strong again because I know I’m not alone,” Nicole adds.

Since coming to the Army, Nicole has been free to practice her faith. Her abusive partner would not let her own a Bible, so one of the first things she asked for when she arrived at the Army was a Bible.

“We went and got her a large print Bible and it was beautiful. We tucked in special Scriptures for her. Now she can read it whenever she wants,” Shannon shares.

Receiving support from The Salvation Army has inspired Nicole to give back. Nicole has known about The Salvation Army since childhood, as they assisted her grandfather during the Second World War and her mother after a flood in Alberta. Now, she fully understands how their support can make a significant difference.

“They helped me every step of the way.”

“I’ve always known about The Salvation Army. I’ve even done the kettles before, but I never understood the full impact. I knew I could get a loaf of bread or a can of food, but the emotional support from everybody here helps me get through my day,” Nicole adds. She now volunteers for the food bank and donates clothing items she no longer needs.

“I don’t like to keep anything that I don’t need. Especially if there are people out there that need it.”

Nicole will go on medical leave in January to focus on her emotional healing. She hopes her experience will help other women facing similar challenges.

“I want to heal mostly so I can give back more. I want to speak to women, young women, older women, and let them know that they should be strong within.”

By Juan Romero