They drove down dark streets, cutting into alleys at the first sight of approaching headlights.
The woman huddled in the corner, ducking low enough she couldn’t be seen by anyone not looking directly into the window.
“Not much further,†the driver assured her.
She looked into the back seat at her sleeping children. “Just please hurry,†she whimpered. “He’ll be home soon and when he finds out I’m gone, I know he’ll come looking for us.â€
The driver nodded in reassurance. “I know it’s hard for you to believe now, but things are going to work out. We have people who will help you. You are very brave.â€
“I don’t feel brave,†the other woman sniffled into her coat. “I just want my girls to grow up happy, without being afraid all the time.â€
The driver slid a box of tissues over. She always kept tissues for the women, stuffed animals for the children, and a bag of snacks for both. Trips like these were mostly made in the wee hours of the morning, and the people she transported to the Safe House were often distraught, frightened and hungry.
Her boundaries were simple: no names. She never gave her own, nor asked for the names of those she drove. Her part in the drama ended when she pulled through the wrought iron gates and someone took her charges from her car.
Confidentiality was key – safety paramount. Domestic violence was rampant in her community and she was but a cog in the wheel of its antithesis.
“Here we are,†she said as she turned the last corner. “Someone will come to take you into the house. Be well.â€
The woman touched her children gently to wake them, and then turned to go into the house. Her scarf slid down and the driver winced as she pulled it back up to cover her ravaged face.
The driver grabbed for the tissues as she pulled away. This was right. This was good. She had helped.
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The editors at Trifecta have challenged us again with the word SAFE. The above are 333 of my words on the subject.
Every 9 seconds a woman is abused by her intimate partner.
Do you know someone who is being abused? Are you someone who has suffered abuse? There is help. YOU can help.
Anonymous and
Confidential Help 24/7:
1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
1.800.787.3224 (TTY)
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written for and in memory of my Mom and the thousands of women like her.