Womens Refuge 2011: Angelique's Story

Receipts became very important to Angel. Most of us don't give them a second thought. But to her, not having a receipt would mean being punched and kicked. Or worse.

She met her partner when she was just 15, and for the first two years she didn't think he had an ounce of violence in him. But then he began drinking heavily and got involved in substance abuse. The violence came soon after.

One day, Angel was unable to produce a receipt for an $18 grocery bill. For the next 20 minutes, her partner kicked her with his steel toecap boots, punched her and dragged her across the floor.
Eventually, one of her partner's relatives arrived and saved her.

She was swollen from head to foot and could barely walk. It took her three months to recover physically. The emotional trauma took far longer to heal. Even today, despite having rebuilt her life and being in a happy and settled relationship for 11 years, Angel still keeps her receipts.

Angel now works to help other women know that there is help available. She urges anyone affected by domestic violence to contact Women's Refuge.

You can make a "symbolic bid" (an instant $25 donation) on her item here:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Antiques-collectables/Other/auction-394012715.htm

Website: www.refuge.org.nz
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/womensrefugenz
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/womensrefugenz

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• domestic
• violence
• women's refuge
• nciwr
• saatchi
• receipts
• angelique
• donate
• trademe