This article discusses domestic violence. If you or someone you know has been assaulted, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for free, 24/7 support.

MILWAUKEE — In her darkest days, Natalie Hayden found herself standing at the door of the Sojourner Family Peace Center, an organization that supports domestic violence survivors. 

“When you have people that are desperate, and they don’t have anywhere to go, you’re their last hope,” said Hayden. “Their last hope.”

Determined to break free from her abusive marriage, Hayden said she knew she had to protect not just herself but also her daughter. 

“I knew I wanted my daughter to never experience the same,” said Hayden. “To feel gaslighted and be made the villain in the family. I wanted her to understand that this was a move that was necessary.”

In sharing her own journey, Hayden shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic violence. 

“It’s unfortunate for the lives that have been lost, but we have been in this cycle for a very long time,” said Hayden. “The soil has turned, and now we are reaping some of the things we have failed to pay attention to.”

She said she knows the shame and pain many feel, but she wants everyone to know leaving and healing is possible. 

“The survivor journey is difficult,” said Hayden. “It’s turbulent, but one thing that I say is you have to keep showing up for yourself.”