Please listen. I am a survivor, not a victim.
I am sitting here in the library in the Chicago area, living out my car with my three kids, because no one has shelter for us after we ran from their abusive dad and my boyfriend. I ran with my kids, away from being beaten and verbally attacked on a daily basis. I had no idea this is where I would be, at any time in my adult life. I sit here typing, as my kids are off reading some fun books, to take their minds off what we deal with on a day to day basis. Sad there are not enough shelter rooms for survivors of domestic violence in Illinois. Probably not across the country either. Struggling to afford food, getting friends, to watch my babies while I work part time to get back on our feet. I have hope we will get somewhere to sleep tonight besides my car. At least we have that. When I went into the courthouse last week, to get an order of protection, the courthouse that is in Joliet, I was not helped, pretty much laughed at and denied. I know, from my own experience, that the system has to change for survivors of domestic violence, fleeing their abusers.
Am I scared? Yes I am.
For all I know, he might kill me and my children.
No one is protecting us.
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