The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

-UGHrZ ESS STOR' A LIFE CH A N G ED In 2016, my life as I once knew it changed. I became a statistic. I was a victim of severe domestic violence. I was abused by my partner for five months dur­ ing our short eight-month relationship. I suf­ fered many broken bones, strangulation; contu­ sions covered my face, arms, back and legs. He also destroyed my emotional and psychological being. After five months of sadistic abuse I was able to find the courage to have my ex-partner arrested. He nearly took my life in May 2016 and didn't care if my four children would end up motherless. I was a hair away from death on that last day. As a result of this, I lost my two jobs, my home and he had managed to take all of my savings out of my bank account before his arrest. However, I consider myself extremely lucky to be here today. I am alive! My children and I walked into Halton Wom­ en's Place in July of 2016. Although, I was mor­ tified, scared and embarrassed, I stood strong and tall and faced the many changes and chal­ lenges ahead of us. I will always remember that afternoon that ■ -- m M i I went to the shelter. I was greeted with such compassion, care and understanding. The intake worker who was assigned to me could feel how nervous I was. I didn't quite understand what was happening to me. I just knew that I was safe and had a roof over my head. I went to bed crying that first night. I didn't know what would happen to me and my chil­ dren. My main goal was to exit the shelter as quickly possible by finding an adequate home for my children and myself. In October of 2016, I signed a lease with the Halton Region but my unit was not going to be available until November. My children and I were now on a mission to get through the next four weeks and prepare to re-enter the world on our own. I was afraid to get back out there where security would not be as tight as it was while in the shelter. But, we were ready! I would like to thank the many staff members at HWP for their continued support and their paramount level of care. My experience at HWP will forever be a part of my memory and I can honestly say that it saved me in so many ways. Discover how your daughter will benefit from our Signature Programs: Global Studies, Professional Internship, STEM & Robotics, Creative Arts, and Active, Healthy Living. J O H N O L IV E R Member of Parliament for Oakville 301 R o b in s o n , O a k v i l le j o h n . o l iv e r @ p a r l . g c .c a ( 905) 338-2008 w w w . j o h n o l iv e r . m p @ J o h n O l iv e r M P Congratulations and thank you to Halton Women's Place for 40 years of protecting and uplifting women in crisis. Your dedication to supporting women in their journey to a future without abuse for themselves and their children is truly inspiring. ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL A Premier School for Girls Preschool to Grade 12 1080 Linbrook Road Oakville, ON L6J 2L1 I 905.845.2386 w w w .s m ls .o n .c a WE DELIVER Academ ic Excellence REAL WORLD LEARNING G lo b a l C it iz e n s h ip Designed for Girls. We believe courageous g irls can challenge and change the world. -s i | O akville B eaver | Thursday, February 8, 2018 insidehalton.com http://www.j http://www.smls.on.ca ESS STOR' A LIFE CHANGED ST. MILDRED'S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL WE DELIVER REAL WORLD LEARNING