It is the middle of the night and her boyfriend is asleep upstairs. Her children are in the next room.

She turns down the brightness on her phone, slips into the bathroom and silently turns the lock. She listens for movement.

Then she takes a deep breath and types the words she has been afraid to say out loud.

“I don’t feel safe.”

Every day, women in our community reach out by text or phone to Birchway Niagara’s confidential support line because home is no longer safe.

They are frightened.
They are uncertain.
They need a plan.

Imagine how long a woman in an abusive home might hover over the send button. If he wakes up, will he see the messages on her phone? What will happen if he finds out she is planning to leave? How can she protect her children when she is so afraid herself?

Your donation to Birchway Niagara can help make sure that she does not have to face these fears and questions alone.

From the moment she makes the call or sends her message, a compassionate team of counsellors is with her, listening and working with her as she considers her options. Because of you, they can develop a plan together to help keep her and her children safe.

This holiday season, please support survivors of abuse in your community. Every one-time gift of $150 or monthly gift of $12.50 over the course of a year can provide that first night of safety that could change everything.

Imagine her relief as she tucks her children into bed in a safe room. Tomorrow, there will still be questions about what comes next, but your kindness today will help ensure she has someone beside her as she begins finding answers. Thank you for making every step on her journey, from the first message to safety, possible.