For many women, they call it home and the possibility the YWCA center in Monterey County could close its doors worries families. Domestic violence shelters are feeling the effects of the loss of millions in state funding, but one woman is trying to keep these services afloat.
After growing up in verbal and physical abuse, she looked for a way out and found help at the YWCA, her new home. Hundreds of women are looking for that escape and help, but now their home could be taken away.
"It's really sad, it's horrible for everybody that they're not going to be able to get help because people that are in my situation can't make it through without places like that. If it weren't for the ladies that I see there, I'd be a complete mess."
Deborah Jacroux with YWCA says they've made cuts across the board. From lay-offs to pay-cuts and even services. The center has lost 100 percent state funding, or about $200,000.
Jacroux says, "There isn't a way to recover the lost funds of $207,000, I'm not certain how we can continue to operate."
Jacroux is working on grants and getting involved with the community for donations. She says is important for these services to continue because it puts families in need at risk.
"The opportunities for women to leave lessen, due to those same economic factors. And when that happens, I believe you're going to see a rate in homicides. If there's no support system it becomes fatal," says Jacroux.
The woman who is a victim of domestic violence cries, "How are we ever going to teach anybody to stop this cycle if we don't allow them to have a place to go to learn and to work through all of the issues that they're going through."
She will be speaking at events for the next few months to share her story and help fund raise for the local shelters. Domestic violence shelters in the area have sent letters to lawmakers in hopes to get their voices heard, and to get services back to families.
