Mary called the Crisis Line sounding very hesitant. She wasn't sure it was the "right" thing to do. She wasn't even sure her husband's behavior was considered domestic violence. She disclosed that her husband had a bad temper and always yelled at her.

That night, her husband's behavior escalated and he had slapped her in the face. The crisis counselor spent time listening to the woman's fears. Then she helped the caller understand the cycle of violence and how it continues to escalate. She offered Mary all of the options Haven Hills offered. Mary didn't take action that night, but she did call back after a subsequent brutal beating by her husband. She knew her options and she had made up her mind. She was referred to the 30-day crisis shelter and is now in the process of examining her next steps. She knows one thing-she's not going back.