Speaker tells story of abuse

By Emily Couchman/reporter

A member of the Safe Haven board will present Prevailing in the Struggle – A Story of Hope 12:15 p.m. Nov. 13 for the Women in New Roles Network.

This presentation is part of a series of WINR seminars that encourage safety, success and overall well-being to the transitioning women, said Trish Light, South WINR director.

This presentation will illustrate that domestic violence should not happen to anyone, but it does, and there is help when it happens, she said.

Ana, a former WINR student who asked that her full name not be used for safety concerns, will discuss the danger signs of an abuser and share her personal experiences.

Ana said she will emphasize her struggles through living and surviving an abusive relationship, living in a shelter, having to conform to the witness protection program and existing with the knowledge that she was once the wife of a serial rapist, abuser and psychopath.

“The main focus will be [to show] how a victim can overcome all that and more by staying positive and not letting the abuser keep the control, how a victim will no longer be a victim but a survivor,” she said.

The seminar is at Ol’ South Pancake House, 1509 S. University Drive in Fort Worth.  The presentation is free, but guests must purchase their own meals.