(Note: The names of the persons in this article have been changed to protect their privacy.)
KAYSVILLE/WEST JORDAN — Christmas is almost here. For many people this time of year might be translated into celebration, family and friend gatherings, gifts, peace, love, sharing, joy… but not everyone lives the season the same.
For many women, men and children, this Christmas will be spent away from an abusive home. Different domestic violence organizations across Utah will try to provide the best environment this season for their residents.
"I’m very thankful to the personnel here, they even have asked me what my kids want for Christmas," said Mariana Rubio, who has been in the South Valley Sanctuary for the past week and a half.
Rubio left her home because her husband started beating her and she thought he was going to kill her.
"That day was the worst day ever," Rubio said. "I just needed to get out. I have no papers (as an undocumented worker) so I could not called the cops."
Rubio sneaked into her house days later to take her 11- and 13-year-old children with her to the shelter. "I was not sure if they will come with me," she said, "but they said, ‘Mommy, we love you and we want to take care of you.’"
Now Rubio is spending Christmas at the shelter being thankful to God for finding a safe place to enjoy the season.
"We are Catholics, and even though we don’t go to church as much as we should, I have taught my kids to pray every night, and that’s what I think has keep us going," said Rubio.
South Valley Sanctuary is a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and supportive services year-round to men, women and children who are victims of domestic violence. One of the people at the sanctuary is Isidro Guevara, who was victimized by his wife.
"I do go to church every Sunday, and I pray a lot for my wife to realize all the harm she has done", said Guevara, with tears on his eyes, adding that he wishes we could be with all his family in this Christmas season.
The scene is similar on the other side of Salt Lake Valley, where Safe Harbor also shelters women and children who are domestic violence victims. They are also preparing for this season in which they have even decorated the place.
"If I was not here I would be homeless," said Catarina White, who is staying at the shelter. She won’t spend Christmas with her 3-three-year old son because he is in state custody, but she hopes she will be able to spend next Christmas with him.
Both shelters accept donations. Safe Harbor needs volunteers (18 and older), scrubs (sizes S - XXL), night lights, small toys, food storage containers, postage stamps, cash donations , garbage bags of various sizes, two bike racks to hold children’s bikes, boy’s jeans sizes 7 – 16, writing pens (any color or style) and used video games (N64, XBox & Gamecube)
For more information, contact Safe Harbor at 801-444-9161, e-mail: dccav@xmission.com and South Valley Sanctuary at P.O. Box 1028 West Jordan, UT 84084-1028 or call 801-255-1095.
Stay Connected With Us