April’s Story

In 2004, “April” took the first step toward getting away from her abusive husband. She had two children, one just 13 months old. She called the SAFE Shelter Outreach Program and victim advocates there assisted her with a court order. This Superior Court order stipulated that her husband had to leave their home and stay at least 500 yards away from April and the children.

One day, after her husband had already been served with the court order, April was getting ready for work. With the baby on her hip, she went out to her car. A car she didn’t recognize was parked behind her. The next few minutes were a blur. Her husband appeared and was holding a gun. As she tried to run away, he shot her twice and the baby once.

Now, three years later, the baby boy has no memory of the bullet that broke his leg. A small scar is his only reminder. While she survived the shooting, mentally and emotionally, she will always carry the vision of that day with her. She sat through histrials, both in Superior and Federal courts and has a measure of comfort that he was sentenced to over 45 years in prison.

Throughout her ordeal, April stayed in touch with SAFE Shelter and has become a spokesperson for the agency. Her children are lively, beautiful and healthy. And soon, April will start taking classes to earn her bachelor degree in Business Administration. She is a remarkable woman who serves as a constant reminder to all that she is one person domestic violence did not claim as a victim.