Story
Where do you go when home is not safe?
Who do you turn to when the person who should love you most is the threat?
Domestic abuse is a universal issue. It can affect people of any social status, age or gender. Yet, most victims are female.
One in three women around the world will experience violence in their lifetime.
The focus of this years Helping-Hand Appeal is Gender Justice. Globally, The Salvation Army is journeying alongside women; supporting them to know their rights and encouraging them to take their place as equal and active members of society.
In Argentina, women who have experienced or are currently experiencing abuse at home have found safety, solace and support at The Salvation Army. Through group therapy sessions they are welcomed, cared for and listened to in a supportive and non-judgemental setting.
We believe that women, both at home and in society, should not only be able to exist safely but have the freedom to flourish.
The Salvation Army is taking a stand for women and girls, to see gender justice a reality across the globe.
Will you join us?
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
Take part in our one in three challenge and fundraise for a world where women and girls can flourish. Will you:
Run, swim or cycle 13- or any multiple of 13- miles on your own or as a team. Get your friends and family involved to see who can raise the most money!
Choose whether you complete this in a single day, for a series of consecutive days or challenge yourself to walk 13,000 steps every day for a whole month.
Take on our most daring challenge and Skydive from 13,000 feet. This is available at 19 centres around the UK and can be completed on a date and time that suits you.
Would you like to come up with your own challenge? Wed love to hear what you have in mind! Email us at challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk
£10 could provide functional education classes for women in Bangladesh so they understand their rights and can protect themselves from exploitation.
£25 could buy materials for Tres Arroyos Salvation Armys learning through play sessions for children who are exposed to violence at home.
£60 could set up eight child marriage prevention committees in Bangladesh, helping to challenge this practice which violates girls human rights.
ELENAS STORY
Elena was born and raised in Tres Arroyos, Argentina and had a difficult childhood. Elena became estranged from her father when she was six years old after he and her mother separated. When she was older, Elenas mother started a relationship with a man who did not treat Elena or her mother well.
In later life Elena married and had two children, a boy and a girl. Though the marriage started well, over time her husband became verbally abusive. He began to become controlling and, having moved the family out to the countryside, he restricted where Elena could go. She was prevented from seeing her friends and family and was often only allowed to travel with him.
On one occasion Elena travelled to the city to run some errands and visit her daughter. Elena explained that her daughter had pleaded with her to get away from her father. She said to me, I shouldnt say this, but I want you leave him. I see that dad is not treating you well. Please, dont tell him I said that, but I know you can move forward without him. Elena found it difficult to recognise the abuse in her own life. She said, At first, I didnt realise he was treating me badly. People would notice the yelling and the abuse, but I would not acknowledge it. To me that was normal.
Eventually, Elena listened to her daughter and made the decision to leave. Elenas husband had told lies about her family and made her believe they did not love her and would not want to see her. Despite this, she reached out to her mother who welcomed her into her home. Elena had only her clothes with her when she left her husband and was able to stay with her mother until she could afford a place of her own.
Elena worked seven days a week to earn enough money to afford to rent her own place. She said, I was working a lot. For months I didnt take a day off. I wanted to build my life. It was during this time that an acquaintance of Elenas invited her to join the group at The Salvation Army. I was feeling bad, alone. So, I decided to go. Lets try it, I thought to myself. As part of the group Elena was able to tell her story and recognised the importance of sharing her experience with others. Before the group, she said, I felt alone, I was crying all the time and I kept wondering if I was the one who did things wrong. I wasnt the kind of person that would go to someone and talk about what was happening. I tried to sort all that on my own, so that made it worse.
In the group Elena found friendship and the encouragement to keep moving forward. She now tries to support other women who are in a similar situation to her. I tell my story to others and try to help, and I invite others to the group.