Mira* and her family arrived in Canada as government-assisted refugees, fleeing the devastation of war in their home country. She came seeking peace and safety—not only from the violence of war, but also from the abuse she endured from her husband. She believed that Canada, with its stronger protections against intimate partner violence (IPV), would offer her and her children a new beginning.
Shortly after settling in Abbotsford, Mira was referred to SARA for Women by the Abbotsford Police Department’s Intimate Partner Violence Unit (IPVU). Despite escaping a war zone, the violence in her home escalated after arriving in Canada. Her husband’s substance use worsened, and the abuse became more severe, placing Mira in the high-risk category with the IPVU.
One terrifying night, despite court orders and the use of an electronic monitoring device, her husband broke into the home where Mira lived with her young children. As the children screamed and cried, Mira found the strength to fight him off and call 911.
Language barriers made navigating the system difficult, but Mira found support through SARA’s Outreach team and Archway Community Services. Together, they helped her apply for legal aid, income assistance, and housing programs. Most importantly, they helped her build a safety plan so she could begin to feel secure again.
“I thought I had finally found a safe place,” Mira says. “But the abuse started again. I knew it wasn’t right—and I reached out for help. I’m still scared, but I know I’m not alone.”
Thanks to wraparound services and a strong support network, Mira and her children are now on a path toward healing and stability.
*Name changed to protect privacy
Please consider giving today to help us empower more women and children on their journey to a brighter future.