Bring on the babies

Dear women;

If there is one thing you need to know before you leave your toxic relationship it's this - your child or children are not only allowed at the shelter! They are welcomed here.  Please, let me be the one to beg you, bring your babies.  

I have seen a heartbreaking number of women enter the shelter - talking of the abuse that went on at home, the unsuitable partners and fathers they resided with, and yet they come alone. As hard as your world is right now, and it is heartbreaking and sometimes unbearable, so it theirs.  They too know the hardship you have and live in the same toxic environtment. 

I'm going to be real with you for a minute here: when you walk in these doors the ask you if you have children. If you do have children they call protective services just for walking in the door. It's the law and it's for their own good. It also helps you legally for if the service finds an issue with the other parent, they are going to help you make sure any time your child spends with your ex is safe. And if it isnt safe, they will help make sure they dont spend time together.   If you have done nothing wrong, you have nothing to fear.

If you walk through these doors without your children, you dont stop that call from being made. It is still made. And they will get your children and hopefully bring them to you. But you have already hurt your case if your goal was to have your kids full time. If your goal was to leave them with your partner, then, well the fact you are at a shelter for abused women indicates you suffered abuse in the marriage - and if you did what is to stop your partner from turning on your children while you arent there?

The shelter has children in mind.  Moms and kids get to room together in a "private" room, meaning you dont share with anyone else but your kids. There are childrens activities, child and youth workers who can help out, and plenty of toys and movies. It's designed to be as friendly to them as possible because the staff know leaving home is scary and stressful.

Please mom - bring your children. Its heartbreaking when you dont.