Finding Peace at Home
Leslie’s Journey from Domestic Abuse to a New Beginning
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the realities of domestic violence, recognize the courage of survivors, and remind those experiencing abuse that help is available.
For Leslie, the journey toward safety and a new life began with finding the courage to ask for help.
A single mother of two young children, Leslie spent years in a relationship marked by manipulation, control, isolation and domestic violence. What may have appeared from the outside to be a healthy relationship was, for Leslie, a world in which fear and control gradually became part of everyday life.
Domestic abuse is not always visible and does not always leave a bruise. It can take many forms, including physical violence, emotional abuse, intimidation, manipulation, financial control and isolation from family and friends. Over time, these behaviors can make survivors feel increasingly powerless and unsure of where to turn.
For Leslie, breaking away from that cycle required more than simply deciding to leave. It required support, resources and a safe path forward.
Finding a Way Forward
Leslie connected with JCS Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home), Jewish Community Services of South Florida’s domestic abuse assistance program, which provides confidential, compassionate and trauma-informed support to individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse throughout Miami-Dade County. Shalom Bayit helps survivors access resources and take steps toward safety, stability and independence.
Through Shalom Bayit, Leslie found the support she needed to begin breaking the cycle of violence. The program helped her navigate the challenges she faced and provided the guidance and resources necessary to begin building a different future for herself and her children.
Her journey was not simply about leaving an abusive relationship. It was about reclaiming her sense of safety, rebuilding her confidence and creating a home where she and her children could move forward without fear.
Today, Leslie is on a path toward recovery, safety and peace with her family.
A New Definition of Home
For someone experiencing domestic abuse, the idea of “home” can become complicated. A place that should provide security and comfort can instead become a place of fear and uncertainty.
That is why the mission of Shalom Bayit, “Peace in the Home” is so meaningful.
JCS works with survivors to help them identify their needs, develop safety plans and connect with critical resources. Services can include case management, counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning and emergency financial assistance. The program is available to individuals and families experiencing domestic abuse in Miami-Dade County, regardless of faith or background.
For Leslie, that support became an important part of creating a new definition of home, one centered on safety, dignity, stability and hope.
Breaking the Silence
Leslie’s story is a reminder that domestic abuse does not discriminate and that leaving an abusive situation is rarely simple.
There can be financial barriers, fear, isolation, concerns about children, emotional trauma and uncertainty about what comes next. Survivors may also worry about how others will respond or whether anyone will believe them.
Most importantly, the responsibility for abuse always lies with the person choosing to abuse, not the survivor.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, JCS encourages members of the community to learn the signs of domestic abuse and to approach survivors with compassion and without judgment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, you do not have to navigate it alone. Shalom Bayit provides confidential support and can help connect individuals and families with resources to take the next step toward safety.
You Are Not Alone
Leslie’s journey continues, but the life she is building today looks very different from the one she once knew.
With the support of Shalom Bayit, she found a path forward, not only for herself, but for her children.
Her story is one of courage. It is a story of survival. And it is a reminder that even after years of fear and control, a new beginning is possible.
Need help? If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse in Miami-Dade County, JCS Shalom Bayit offers confidential support. Call 305-576-1818, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., with after-hours coverage available through the JCS Contact Center. For immediate assistance, call 211 or 988. To obtain support without calling, please fill out the form on this page.
