‘ … The Women’s Shelter is here to listen to you and support you in your situation. They can help you get in touch with the police, social services or a health center.
The Women’s Shelter can advise you on who you can turn to , such as an attorney , family law and other organizations. They can meet you to talk and to provide accommodation for a short time for you and your children.
Those working at the Women’s Shelter have a good understanding of your situation. They are accustomed to listening . If you call because someone else in your neighborhood is exposed to violence, you can get advice on what you can do to help that person. ‘
– ‘Hello ‘, she suddenly heard a voice say while the front door was opened. She quickly closed the computer again and picked up a book that she pretended to read.
– ‘ Hi honey ‘ he said as he entered the room. She looked at his reflection in the mirror that hung in front of her. He was in a good mood for once; a faint smile on his lips. He bent down and kissed her neck. A shiver went down her spine, of both fear and pleasure.
– ‘ Hello, ‘ she said back and tried to smile gently but her lips ached. They were swollen from his latest outburst yesterday; she had however already repressed what had happened.
– ‘ What are you doing here, sitting here in this cramped room’ he said, looking around him. ‘You have to go out into the air and enjoy life! Well, or maybe when you look a bit more respectable’. He looked at her in the mirror and shook his head.
– ‘You darned woman, you make me do it. You know I do not want to but it’s the only way you will learn; I do it because I love you.’
He put his hand on her cheek and caressed her lips gently with his thumb before he leaned forward and kissed her gently.
– ” Ugh, it’s like kissing a toad ‘ he said with a disgusted expression. ‘Go and put some ice on the lip so the swelling goes down. I’m going to go and watch the sport’. He said as he left the room and walked towards the living room .
She leaned forward and looked at her lips in the mirror. Who would ever want to help a toad like her?