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Domestic abuse survivor Gorete Tavares, and Nova House
executive director Anna Pazdzierski at last Thursday’s announcement that work
will soon begin on a new Nova House women’s shelter.
RECORD PHOTO BY DAVE BAXTER
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By Dave Baxter
Originally published in the Selkirk Record
Gorete Tavares says it is very scary to even think about how
her life might look today if she had not found Nova House.
Tavares spent five years in an abusive relationship, and
said over the five years the abuse got progressively worse to the point that
she feared for her life.
“It came on very slowly and gradually,” said Tavares. “But it was five years of it, and the
last three months before I left I was physically abused daily.”
The fear of death is what finally pushed her to get out, and
get help.
“My ex-husband almost killed me. When I saw my life flash before my eyes right in from of my
children, that is when I knew I had to get out.”
Nova House not only provided a safe place for her and her children,
but it also educated her about domestic abuse.
“I learned everything I know about domestic violence from
going there,” said Tavares.
She also said the people at Nova House always made her feel comfortable,
even during the darkest moments in her life.
“Nova house has this very home-like feel,” said Tavares.
Nova House, along with the city of Selkirk and the province
announced construction will soon begin on a brand new and much larger shelter, and
Tavares said she knows how much it is needed.
She knows there was a chance she could have been turned away
when she reached out to Nova House, and she said her life could be very different
right now if they had not had room for her.
“I was very lucky to get a spot when I called, and I could
have missed that opportunity and my life would probably be very different
today.
“It was incredible and it changed my life. I have an amazing
life, and if I hadn’t gone to Nova House it might not have happened.”
She also has a message for anyone experiencing domestic
violence who is unsure of what to do.
“Get help and reach out to someone,” said Tavares. “Getting
in touch with a place like Nova House can make all the difference."
Anyone experiencing domestic violence can call a free
province wide 24-hour crisis line at 1-877-977-0007, or a local crisis line at
204-482-1200.
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