Hi, my name is Angel Hart *. I am a 25 year old Mother
of five children, ages 8, 5, 2, 1, and 6 months. I would like
to tell you a little bit about my past before I explain my
present.
During 1990, when I was thirteen years old. I was attending
Thomas Jefferson High School. I was living with my mother
at the time, in Brooklyn. Younger people like myself considered
my block to be the hottest block in the world because everything
would take place in that particular area like drug dealers,
hustling, bike shows. During that time, all the popular motorcycles
and the riders came to perform bike shows. That Spring I met
a person who I considered to be a young gentlemen at the time
but little did I know he would turn out to be my worst nightmare. I know I had no business dating at thirteen but I did
not listen to my mother. My mother told me to wait until I
finished school so that I could take advantage of all the
opportunities an education has to offer. Instead of listening
to my mother I started a relationship with my nightmare.
The fights first started when I was almost 15 years old.
They continued until one life threatening fight changed everything.
I was 17 at the time and I was about 5 months pregnant. I was
living with my nightmare not far from where my mother lived.
I had all about I could take with the constant arguing, fights,
and put-downs. I wanted more for myself. I started packing
a few items so I could go and stay with my grandmother until
I found my own apartment. My nightmare became very upset when
he discovered I was planning to leave him. He wanted to know
what I was doing and suggested that I unpack, sit down and
talk to him about it. I did not want to talk. He got very
angry and kicked me in my face so hard that it left a sneaker
print on my face. He was cursing me out and knocking me down
to the point that I was bleeding. I was afraid for the safety
of my child and myself. I had enough. I pressed charges against
him. He served a Jail sentence of 3 years.
Later I took him back. When I got pregnant again with my
5 year old child the fights started again. This time around
it was even more dangerous. He kidnapped my son. That was
a brutal wake up call for me. After that I woke up and never
looked back. I went on with my life, got a job and my own
apartment. I met someone special whom I've had three more
children with. I was building up my self-esteem. One day however
my new life fell apart. Four years later, I received a strange
knock at the door. On October 8, 2001 to be exact, my nightmare
had begun all over again. This fight occurred in front of
all my children except my 6-month baby. One of my family members
told him where I was located. He had every intent to send
me to the morgue. My heart dropped when I saw him. The look
in his eyes was deadly. I was suddenly very afraid for my
life. I knew I had to do something quickly. His hands quickly
became wrapped around my neck. I was struggling to get away
from him. My kids were screaming for help. My previous partner
separated us and threw him out of the apartment. We were safe
for the moment. Little did we know the nightmare was on his
way downstairs to get a gun. Luckily the police apprehended
him in the hallway at gunpoint.
I knew that I had to relocate for the safety of my family
and me. I spoke with the police officer who previously handled
my case. She gave me two telephone numbers. One of the numbers
she gave me was the Safe Horizon National Hotline for Domestic
Violence. I called the hotline and spoke to an operator who
guided me to this safe haven. She immediately made me feel
safe. She made arrangement for car service to pick my children
and me up and take us to Urban Women's Retreat. When I arrived
at UWR, they welcomed me warmly and my children were immediately
relieved. This has been a really positive place for my children
and me. My children have really grown in this environment.
At first I became very depressed. I had to stop working due
to my D.V. situation. I became overburdened by life troubles.
I had no motivation to continue living positively.
Thankfully, all that has changed. I have been living here
for 10 months. UWR has provided me a safe place for my children
and my self, with counseling services that has helped me to
deal with my issues. Also it has taught me how to avoid getting
into dangerous situations such as my previous domestic violence
relationship. I have used my time here wisely. I am working
hard to provide a fresh new start for my family and me. I
found an apartment for me and my children to live in. We will
be moving shortly and I am excited. It's been a pleasure staying
here. I now see life for what it's truly worth. I plan to
start school in September. I'm currently looking for a part
time job. I feel like I have a second chance at life. My short-term
goals are to finish school so I can better my education. My
long-term goals are to get and keep a good paying job so that
I can provide for my family. I also want to send my children
to college so they can get an education and become something
special.
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