04/01/2026
Last night NEOSS had the distinct privilege to present at 100 Women Who Care Tisdale. We are honored and humbled to win! Thank you to those who voted for us! The money we received will all be going to the NEOSS Women's Shelter, to pay for ID's women who are fleeing Domestic/Interpersonal Violence. Some thing we take for granted. But just think about it, no ID, you can not rent a place, you can not apply for assistance, you can't open a bank account. The obstacles that women have to jump through and over in order to get a new start is mind blowing, and there is much more. The following is something that one of our staff has gone through in her journey...
I wasn't supposed to tell anyone what he did. It could damage his reputation. I wasn't supposed to tell the truth because it could make him look bad. I was supposed to keep it all bottled up to ensure that his image remained squeaky clean. NO MORE.
I'm voicing my truth! Not to tear him down, but so that he may never tear another down. So, that I may begin to build myself back up.
December 27, 2015 was the first time he put his hands on me, I looked him in the eyes as strangled me taking the light out of mine.
I have been with NEOSS for ten years this year. It took me 11 years to leave. Like many who I help leave, the abuse doesn’t stop It changes. You go from watching their hands to ensure you’re safety, to the unknown of what they are capable of. When in reality it feels more safe to stay because you know what the eggshells feel like and mean. You understand what their body language means and how to protect yourself. Once you leave it’s like walking in the dark, you have no idea what could happen in the dark. The dark becomes new fear and uncertainty. That’s why women go back because they are now choosing between the safer option. Going back and knowing the danger or having no clue what they could do next. The most dangerous thing statistically a victim of domestic violence can do is leave an abusive relationship. Women are 70 percent more likely to be murdered after leaving an abusive relationship. The truth is when someone wants to hurt you they will. When you leave, they lose control and domestic violence is all about control. If I knew all the supports and resources and it took me that long to leave. Imagine leaving and having no income and no ids. You need income to get ids but you need ids to sign up for income support. This is a gap in our systems.
When they physically can’t hurt you they grasp at any strings to continue to try and hurt, unfortunately the systems help with that.
Many women stay silent because they often feel embarrassed for their abuser actions and many stay as it’s the safest option.
Interpersonal violence is the only crime where victims have to explain themselves more than abuser. Many stay silent due to the worry of society’s opinions and their abusers reaction....Tati
Again...Thank you 100 Women Who Care Tisdale! Thank you for those who voted for us. You kindness will have a huge affect on many women and their children!
