There Can Be Life after Abuse

Trapped in an abusive relationship, Isobel feared the consequences of leaving. When she developed the courage to put a plan in place, getting out was her first step toward healing, but it didn’t end there. “I’m living proof that there are second chances in life,” says Isobel. “And The Salvation Army gave me that.”

“I’m living proof that there are second chances in life”

For years, Isobel was mentally abused by her partner. She was told she was unattractive, overweight and unappealing, and that she wasn’t needed. When she was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees, the threatening and manipulative treatment escalated.

“I was in severe pain, using a walker and waiting for surgery when my partner knocked me to the floor,” says Isobel. “He wouldn’t help me up, said I meant nothing to him, and left me struggling. In that moment I knew it was time to end the relationship.”

“It was a long time since people cared for and about me”

Isobel’s partner didn’t work and was at home a lot. When he went to a dental appointment Isobel quickly gathered some clothes and went to a women’s shelter. She soon told him to leave and had the landlord change the locks. But an outreach worker from the shelter encouraged her not to return home.

“My worker was afraid for my safety,” says Isobel. “I got a new place in six days.”

While Isobel was excited to be moving, her knee pain made it unbearable to walk and she didn’t have the money for first and last month’s rent. Her worker suggested she contact The Salvation Army’s Centre of Hope in London, Ont.

“I hoped The Salvation Army could suggest volunteers who had a truck and advocate on my behalf to set up a payment plan for my rent,” says Isobel. “What they did for me was overwhelming.”

The Salvation Army provided Isobel with food and personal items such as soap and shampoo. They paid for one month’s rent and supplied movers.

“The Salvation Army is a big part of my ability to get back on my feet”

“It was a long time since people cared for and about me,” says Isobel. “I still can’t get over it. I have two new knees and life is good. The Salvation Army is a big part of my ability to get back on my feet. They were my lifeline when I needed one most.”