It was 4:17 pm on 27th of February, 2016 and there I was scrunched over the bathroom toilet. I could hear screams of my newborn getting louder as she awoke from her slumber. This is the first time since I had given birth that we had gotten into a physical altercation but the millionth time since we met . He had promise that starting our family had changed him and his violent beatings would stop. But, some things never change. This is the story of many women just like myself that experience the same misfortune. 

 

Domestic violence statistics show that:​

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• 1 in 3 young women will be abused before they reach 25 years old.​

• 1 in 3 teenagers report that they know someone their age who has been hit, punched, chocked or physically abused by their partner.

• More than 3 women are murdered every day by a spouse or boyfriend.

• Between 55 to 95% of women who have experienced any form of domestic violence NEVER report it to the police or any organizations for help.

• Men who are exposed to domestic violence in their homes growing up are reported to be twice as likely to become abusers themselves when they become adults.​

 

Hearing these statistics, living  these experiences  and bearing these scars has inspired a movement. A movement that has empowered us to  not only provide a safe haven for victims but also develop programs that will cater to the needs of the countless number of women and children in our very own communities. A movement that establish a comfortable environment place that will allow women to simply….. Lean on Me Sisters. 

 

Lean on Me Sisters is a non profit safe haven, that was created by three sisters (Telesha, Arlete & Bracquel Sands)  and our wonderful, God-fearing Mother (Arleen Sands). She has played the ultimate role in the formation of this organization. She has always been so passionate about helping women in this violent culture and we knew as sisters this was our duty to create this platform. However, to date three more members became apart of this movement and we have all experienced domestic violence personally and do understand how sensitive this topic can be. 

• You see, domestic violence is one of the most dangerous silent killers in the world. Our goal is to provide the valuable sisterly love to that woman who feels stuck in her abusive marriage; the woman that feels that no one could possibly imagine what she is going through. 

• Our mission is to  change the mindset of society and ultimately create a culture that allows women to feel empowered enough to speak out. We need a culture where women know their worth and never feel they have to suffer at the hands of anyone.

• Our promise is to be that listening ear in the middle of the night when our sister feels there is no one she could call to talk about her pain with or assist her with  shelter for kids and her.

• Our aim is simple; we want to change how the world views domestic violence and end the cycle of abuse.   By equipping our young women and men with the tools necessary to understand their worth; and lessening the exposure of children to this abuse at home we will finally put an end to this vicious cycle.

 

So we are excited to present to you Lean on Me Sisters!

 

With your help, we will overcome domestic violence in our community.

One Sister at a Time!

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