Editor’s note: This story talks about domestic violence and may be triggering for some viewers/readers.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Domestic violence is a harsh reality for many in Kansas. As awareness grows, so do resources and support for those trying to escape a dangerous situation.
A report by Sedgwick County says in Kansas, one in three women experience domestic violence in their lifetime, and one in four women and one in seven men are victims of severe physical violence by an intimate partner.
StepStone is an organization that helps survivors escape the cycle of abuse and provide resources such as housing and counseling. The organization provides housing for up to two years, giving survivors stability.
“Within those two years we are working with them. They have an advocate that is assigned to them to work with them. They set their goals and then we help them, you know, reach out to those agencies that they need help with, give them resources,” said Lorenza Rivas, the program director at StepStone.
For Tamara, it’s one step at a time, one day at a time. She is trying to help others by sharing her journey.
“My battle is still very much real. But I am very much different. I’m grounded,” said Tamara, a survivor of domestic violence.
With this grounding, she says she’s able to thrive.
“It’s made me stronger, and I know that the Lord’s with me, and I have a great support system at this point,” said Tamara.
She says the violence she experienced started in 2018.
“From there, things had spiraled, and they got really bad and just quick,” said Tamara.
After years of struggle, she escaped with her kids and her faith intact.
“I’ve overcome a lot, and I have to keep my head focused on that. I am definitely not where I want to be, but I’m not where I was,” said Tamara.
In 2021, she found safety and reassurance at StepStone. Her therapist pushed her to seek help from the organization.
“They showed me an incredible amount of support in every possible way,” said Tamara. “From transportation, from financial, from moving and doing everything on my own.”
She’s now more independent and working toward her GED. She wants other survivors to seek help and not suffer in silence.
“I couldn’t understand why it kept happening. But there’s purpose in that pain. And to not give up. That’s what I have to say,” said Tamara. “It was the best thing that happened to me. I would not be alive if I did not make that call.”
Whether it’s for a family member, friend, co-worker, or for yourself, there is help out there for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Click here to find a list.