The day that changed everything.

"The day he attacked me, I had gone to university and enrolled in a course. I had been working from home for a long time and always wanted to study more, but he had always discouraged me. It was never the right time. He said it was enough that he worked outside, I needed to take care of the house and the children, and that we needed to give each other time and attention."

Our two children were now grown and I felt like I was about to jump or jump. The thought made me anxious, though, because he had tried so hard to convince me that I had no business in school, didn't have what it took, and would never last.

My friend, the only one I had left, encouraged me to keep going. I met her that day at a cafe downtown, and he came to pick me up. On the way out to the car, I told him that I had registered for university.

He went completely crazy. As we stood in the middle of the parking lot, he screamed at me and let out a loud bang. A witness to this called the police, who came and took me to the emergency room. There I was referred to the Women's Shelter, where I stayed for a few weeks.

The divorce was a long and difficult process, but it was so worth it. I was able to buy a small apartment and I finished my studies. Now I have a good job and I have never felt better.

"So you could say that this day was both my worst and my best – because I don't know if I would have ever had the courage to go and managed to rebuild myself without the help I received."

Although the story is painful, it also shows how important it is to receive support when women take the first steps towards a safer life. Supporting the work of the Women's Shelter allows women to find safety, advice and strength to rebuild their lives.