Scholarships for Abused Women

Domestic violence has been an unspoken part of society since the beginning of time. Traditionally in most cultures, women have been taught from the time they were young girls to be subservient to their male counterparts. When accepting a man’s marriage proposal, a dutiful wife knew all too well that she should do as he says, when he says it, and how he wants it done, or else there would be a high price to pay.
Women were lucky if they were allowed to pick out their own clothes for the day.

Unfortunately, this was simply a normal occurrence, not to be given a second thought by anyone involved. But as time passed and people evolved, many began to realize that was an unjust way of life, not only for the women, but for their children who had been forced to bear witness to this. There have been many outside influences that helped to open the minds of the general public.

One major influence on women’s rights was the woman’s movement of the 1960s. This was a time when women became liberated and learned that they had rights to their own opinions, their own styles, and their own ways of life. It was at this time that many women chose to leave the ironing and the aprons behind to seek employment outside of the home.

As these women began to make their own money, it enabled them to feel much more confident. Their growing confidence began to shed new light on their unhealthy relationships and brought them feelings of independence. Why would they ever put up with such foul treatment from their husbands when they could take care of themselves? These feelings of liberation and independence started to spread like wildfire, and a new, much stronger society of women was born.

The Persistence of Abuse Today

Even after the 60s movement hit its mark, inspired more women to take control of their own lives, and changed the way of thinking for most of the free world, some women still remain in a suppressed state of being to this day. Domestic violence takes place in all walks of life. There is no race, color, or creed that is exempt from the possibility of it occurring within their households.

Battered women are made to feel worthless and insignificant through the hands of their abusers. The longer the abuse takes place, the more worthless these women are made to feel. With each passing day, they will fall deeper and deeper into their dark holes of hopelessness and depression.

However, what some of these women are not aware of is that there is a way out. Now more than ever, there is so much help out there for battered and abused women. There are domestic abuse hotlines and women’s shelters which will provide counseling and assistance with finding new housing.

Educational Opportunities for Survivors of Domestic Abuse

The best thing that a battered woman can do for herself is to further her education. This way, she can become independent so she can support herself and her children all on her own; but the first thing she must do is to get out of the abusive relationship that she is in.

Once she finds the courage and the help that she needs to get out of the situation she is in, she will want to better her chances of finding stable employment through higher education. For this she will need funding.

Fortunately for her, there are several organizations that provide scholarships and grants to survivors of domestic violence. With a little research, women will find that there are many groups out there that want to help them get the education they need in order to turn their lives around.

University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky has established the Center for Research on Violence Against Women. This organization helps battered and abused women by providing free counseling as well as ongoing mentoring for these women. They started the Women’s Empowerment Scholarship Program which offers domestic abuse survivors the opportunity to further their education and build themselves a brighter future. This scholarship is only open to those who have left their abusive relationships and accepted help from one of the battered women’s programs in the state of Kentucky.

Liz Claiborne Foundation

Since 2005, the Liz Claiborne Foundation has provided funding through their Liz Scholarship program. This scholarship is offered to women survivors of domestic violence so that they may pursue an education and begin to turn their lives around. To be eligible for this scholarship, the women must have left their abusive relationships and received domestic abuse counseling. All funds provided by the Liz Scholarship program must be used on college tuition and expenses.

Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund

The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund provides funding for low-income women who have been the victims of domestic abuse. The applicants must be at least 35 or older and pursuing either an associate or bachelor’s degree. Each recipient of this scholarship must be a citizen of the United States and display good leader qualities.

The Jeannette Rankin Women’s Program bases its low-income standards on the Lower Living Standard which was set up by the United States Department of Labor. Winners of this scholarship are selected according to the applicant’s financial needs, future career goals, leadership skills, and personal challenges in which they must overcome.

Women’s Independence Scholarship Program

The Women’s Independence Scholarship Program was established in 1999 to provide educational funding for women survivors of domestic abuse. To qualify for this scholarship, the applicant must have been separated from her abuser for at least one year prior to applying. She must be able to prove legal citizenship to the United States, and have financial need for assistance. The applicant must also have received at least six months of domestic abuse counseling before applying for funding.

The scholarship winners may use the funding for tuition and expenses toward technical and vocational schools or universities. Typically this award goes to women who are enrolled in undergraduate programs, but in some cases postgraduate students have been awarded this scholarship.

The Sunshine Lady Foundation

The Sunshine Lady Foundation awards scholarships to women who have survived domestic abuse and are looking to make better lives for themselves and their children. This foundation gives special consideration to women with small children who have left their abusive partners and are struggling to support their children on their own. The amount of funding varies depending on the number of donations received, but the average scholarship amount is $3,000 per recipient. The scholarship money may be used towards college tuition and expenses as well as transportation and child care.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The applicant must be a female domestic abuse survivor.
  • The applicant must be away from her abuser for a minimum of six months before applying.
  • The applicant must be receiving counseling.
  • If the applicant has children over the age of 5, they must be receiving counseling.
  • The applicant must have set career goals.
  • The applicant must be enrolled in a university, technical, or vocational program.
  • The applicant must display leadership abilities.
  • The applicant must be a legal citizen or resident of the United States.

For more information on this scholarship, visit www.wispinc.org.

Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation For Women And Children

As the first woman of color to serve in the United States House of Representatives, Patsy Takemoto Mink’s major platform was the concern for women’s rights. While she served in the 2nd Congressional District of Hawaii, she established a scholarship program for low-income women survivors of domestic violence.

Every year, five scholarships are awarded to abused and battered mothers who have chosen to take control of their lives and better themselves through education. Recipients of this scholarship may use the funds for tuition and expenses towards a college or technical school of their choosing.

To be eligible to apply, the applicant must have taken her children and left her abusive relationship to find new housing and receive counseling for herself and her children. For more information, visit www.patsyminkfoundation.org.

OEDB (Online Education Database)

This organization focuses on single mothers who have been victims of domestic abuse. Their goal is to help get them educated and career-ready so that they can provide for their children and go on to maintain independent, prosperous lives. There are several resources within OEDB that are set up to assist single mothers with their educational financial needs:

  • Our Families Our Future: This organization is based in Wyoming and has established the CLIMB Wyoming program. This program assists single mothers who are domestic abuse survivors in building careers through education and training programs. Their goal is to help these women increase their wages so they can become independent and provide for their families.
  • The Flemming Associates Young Parent Program: This is another program set up by OEDB that will assist low-income single mothers in getting out of an abusive relationship. Their goal is to educate these women so they can turn their lives, and the lives of their children around.
  • Raise the Nation: This program assist low-income single mothers in funding for education and also helps them to repay any outstanding loans that they may have. Their goal is to allow these women and their children to have a fresh new start in life.
  • Women’s Opportunity Awards: This organization is looking to assist women who are trying to leave behind a life of poverty, abuse, or drug addiction. They provide funding for education and child care if needed.

Family Violence Prevention And Services/Grants For Battered Women’s Shelters-Discretionary Grants

Extended by the Department of Health and Human Services, this organization assists abused and battered women who are seeking to find a way out. They provide assistance in finding housing, counseling for mothers and children, and funding for education.

The goal of this organization is to help abused women get out of the situation they are in, and start new lives for themselves and their children. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements specified in the Federal Register or Commerce Business Daily announcement.

The R.O.S.E. Fund

The R.O.S.E. Fund is a foundation whose motto is “Regaining One’s Self-Esteem.” Their goal is to break the silence of domestic violence. They are trying to educate young girls about the effects of domestic violence on them and their families.

They empower victims of abuse by helping them to rebuild their lives through friendship, community, and education. They assist with housing, counseling, and funding for college for vocational school. They ask that the recipients of this funding pay it back by stopping the cycle of abuse and helping other domestic abuse victims learn how to stand up for themselves and take control of their own lives.

To learn more about this foundation, visit www.rosefund.org.

R.O.S.E. Scholarship at UMASS Boston

This organization awards scholarships to battered and abused women who have applied and been accepted to UMASS Boston. All applicants must be enrolled for a minimum of 9 credit hours to be considered for this scholarship. Applicants who carry average GPAs will be most likely to be awarded the scholarship.

R.O.S.E. Scholarship at Pine Manor College

The R.O.S.E. Scholarship fund is available to survivors of domestic violence who have applied and been accepted to Pine Manor College. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be enrolled for a minimum of 12 credit hours. Recipients of this scholarship will be chosen on a basis of financial need and academic excellence.

Lancing Community College Women’s Resource Center

This organization offers scholarships to women who are low-income, single mothers, displaced homemakers, disabled, former drug addicts, and victims of domestic violence. These women must be interested in bettering themselves through nontraditional career training. Depending upon their financial need, some women will receive free tuition and textbooks. The funding may also include assistance with child care as well as transportation.

Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards

This organization works with clubs in 19 countries to assist women who have become the sole provider for their families due to domestic violence in their households.

Every year, Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity distributes over one million dollars in an effort to educate these women so they can move into more prosperous jobs in order to support their families. They provide funding to assist with tuition expenses, books, transportation, and child care.

Recipients of these awards are chosen according to their financial needs as well as their abilities to adjust to the positive changes in their lifestyles. For more information, visit www.soroptimist.org.

William S. Abell Foundation

This foundation provides funding for abused and battered women and their children. They will assist with emergency legal and social services, crisis counseling, health services, housing, and educational funding.

Battered Women’s Foundation

The Battered Women’s Foundation (BWF) is an independent non-profit organization based in Texas that works to assist female victims of domestic violence by providing them with long-term care after the women have left their abusive relationships. This care includes emergency food and clothing, housing, child care, transportation, medical care, counseling, self-esteem building skills, and funding for education.

Through donations and volunteers, the Battered Women’s Foundation helps domestic abuse victims with anything that will support them in getting out of the bad situation they are in, and into an independent and healthy lifestyle.

Women’s Opportunity Scholarship Fund

The goal of this foundation is to assist battered women who would like to attend a North Dakota college, university, or trade school. These funds will assist the recipients of this award with tuition and other expenses involving school. This organization’s goal is to break the circle of violence and take a stand for women.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The applicant must be a resident of North Dakota.
  • The applicant must be enrolled in one of North Dakota’s colleges, universities, vocational, or trade schools.
  • The applicant must be considered low-income according to federal poverty guidelines.
  • The applicant must have career goals for the future.

For more information regarding this scholarship, visit www.ndcaws.org.


Allstate Foundation & National Network


In an effort to end domestic abuse, Allstate Foundation along with the National Network provides funding for women of domestic violence who have left their abusers and want to better themselves through education. Recipients of this award will receive $1,000 to be used towards their educational expenses.

In order to qualify for this funding, the applicants must have experienced domestic abuse, been considered low-income according to federal standards, and left the situation they were in.

Scholarships For Victims of Domestic Abuse

The Scholarships for Victims of Domestic Abuse has established the Change Your World Scholarship. This scholarship has been set up to assist woman victims of spousal abuse with funding for higher education. The Change Your Life Scholarship may be used to pay college tuition and expenses, transportation, and child care. Women with small children will take priority regarding this scholarship.

To be eligible, the applicant must have been living away from her abuser for a minimum of one year, but no longer than five years. Applications will be accepted before every semester. The applicant may continue to apply until she has been granted the scholarship.

All recipients of this scholarship are required to participate in a mentorship program through any non-profit organization that specializes in victims of domestic abuse.

Earn My Degree.com

EarnMyDegree.com offers scholarships for battered and abused women. This Clinton, Iowa-based school will provide funding for qualified applicants who want to leave their abusive life behind to better themselves through higher education. This scholarship will cover the cost of tuition, books, application fees, and technology costs in the online degree program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • The applicant must be a female survivor of spousal abuse.
  • The applicant must be legally separated from her abuser.
  • The applicant must be able to show financial need of assistance.
  • The applicant must have definite career goals.
  • The applicant must have a high school diploma or a GED.

Accounting Scholarships For Women In Transition

This organization specializes in assisting women who have been through divorce, women who are the sole source of support for their families, and women who have survived domestic abuse. The amount of the scholarship is $16,000 to be distributed over a four-year period. Special consideration will be given to minority women. The scholarship is awarded based on financial need and prior academic status.

General Federation of Women’s Clubs

The General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) is a national organization that fights to end domestic violence. Their goal is to increase awareness about domestic violence and educate young girls before it is too late. They have established the GFWC Success for Survivors Scholarship to assist abused and battered women.

Every year, this organization awards scholarships to eight different domestic survivors. The amount of each scholarship is $1,000. These scholarships are funded through the GFWC Signature Project: Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention Fund.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicant must be a domestic abuse survivor.
  • Applicant must be a citizen or legal resident of the United States.
  • Applicant must have a strong desire to better herself through higher education.
  • Applicant must have attainable career goals.
  • Applicant must be sponsored by a CFWC member who is willing to be a mentor to her throughout her educational years.
  • The application must have a written recommendation from a non-profit domestic violence service agency.

Applications are reviewed by a committee which will determine the scholarship winners on a basis of financial need, academic performance, and leadership ability. The scholarship funds may be used for college tuition and expenses, textbooks, and transportation. For more information on this scholarship, visit www.gfwc.org.

Zonta Club of Bonita Springs, Inc.

The Zonta Club of Bonita Springs is an organization that works to combat violence against women. Through donations from various organizations, the Zonta Club provides grants and scholarships to women survivors of domestic violence who would like to pursue higher education in order to become independent.

The amount of scholarship money is typically $2,000 per recipient. Every year, Zonta Club awards at least two scholarships to domestic abuse survivors.

To qualify for these scholarships, applicants must be battered and abused women who have been separated from their abusers for at least 3 months. Applicants must also have a high school education or a GED. The award winners are chosen according to their financial needs, previous academic standing, and future goals.

For more information on these scholarships, or to make a donation, visit www.zontabonitasprings.org.

Alpha Chi Omega

The Alpha Chi Omega organization has a mission to end domestic violence against women. Every year, this organization awards several scholarships to abused women who are ready to take a stand and further their education. The amount of funding provided can vary depending on investments and donations made throughout the year. Women who have been victims of domestic abuse and can prove financial need for assistance may apply. For more information, visit www.alphachiomega.org.

End Violence Against Women International

End Violence Against Women International (EVAW) is an organization that fights domestic violence by providing scholarships to abused and battered women. They have established the Professional Development Scholarships Fund which provides funding for deserving women survivors of domestic violence.

Each scholarship is in the amount of $1,000. The funds must be used for college tuition and expenses. All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university or vocational program. The recipients of this award are selected according to their financial needs as well as their prior academic performances.

For more information regarding this scholarship, visit www.evawintl.org.

Click to Empower Domestic Violence Survivors

This organization has established the Moving Ahead Grant program which provides scholarships to battered and abused women who want to further their education and move ahead with their lives. The amount of funding provided is $1,000 per recipient. These funds may be used for tuition expenses, transportation, textbooks, certifications, school supplies, employment uniforms, or child care.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • All applications must be submitted by a non-profit domestic violence organization on behalf of the abused woman.
  • The applicant must be able to prove financial need for assistance.
  • The applicant must be separated from her abuser for a minimum of six months.

For more information or to apply, visit www.nnedv.org.

Ashford University

Ashford University offers two scholarships to women who are survivors of domestic violence. These domestic abuse survivors must be enrolled in the Clinton YWCA’s Battered Women program. The scholarships will cover full tuition to the university as well as the cost of textbooks, lab fees, application fees, and technology costs. Applications are available at the YMCA center in Clinton, Iowa. This university has a goal of allowing abused and battered women access to higher education while in a safe environment.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be self-admitted domestic abuse survivors.
  • Applicants must have been separated from their abusers for a minimum of six months.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in the Clinton YMCA’s Battered Women Program.
  • The applicants must show proof of financial need of assistance.
  • The applicants must provide transcripts of prior education.
  • The applicants must have been in good academic standing.
  • The applicants must have serious future career plans.

For more information regarding these scholarships, visit www.redorbit.com.

AAUW Fellowships And Grants

The AAUW’s motto is “Breaking through barriers for women and girls.” For more than one hundred years, the AAUW has assisted over 10,000 women from over 130 countries to overcome their adversities and achieve their dreams through higher education. The applicants must undergo a highly competitive selection process in which financial need, academic excellence, and commitment to improvement are taken into consideration. The winners are selected by a committee of respected scholars, teachers, researchers, and practitioners.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • All applicants must be domestic abuse survivors.
  • All applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university or technical program.
  • All applicants must prove financial need for assistance.
  • All applicants must have prior GPA of at least 3.0.

For further information or to apply for this scholarship, visit www.aauw.org.

Help for Battered and Abused Women: Escaping an Abusive Relationship

Getting out of an abusive relationship can be one of the hardest things a woman in that position will ever do. However, if she wants to take control of her life and go back to school, leaving her abuser must be her first big step.

Things that battered and abused women should know:

  • All women deserve to be treated with respect. It is never okay for a partner to strike his wife or girlfriend.
  • An abused woman is never to blame for the mistreatment she receives from her partner.
  • All women deserve to live safe and happy lives which are free from fear.
  • All children deserve to live in safe and happy homes, free from fear.
  • No abused woman is alone. Even if she doesn’t have family, there are many people out there who want to help her.
  • No matter how bad it seems, there is a way out.

How battered and abused women can safely get out:

  • Come up with a plan of escape. Plan in detail how and when you will take the opportunity to get out. This should be done when the abuser is out of the house for several hours. If you have children who are old enough, tell them your plan so they know what to expect.
  • If possible, try to put away some emergency cash before you leave.
  • Be ready to leave in a hurry in case it is necessary. Have some bags packed and hidden away. Keep the car full of gas.
  • If you have any friends or family, ask them for help. If they offer a place to stay for you and your children, take them up on it. This is not the time to be too proud to accept help.
  • If you have no family or friends, find a battered women’s shelter in your area. There are domestic abuse hotlines that will help to find shelter for you and your children.
  • As soon as you leave, go to the local police station and file for a restraining order against the abuser.
  • Do not have any contact with him until you have to see him in the safety of a courtroom. Do not answer any of his phone calls. Block his number from your phone.
  • Find counseling for you and your children. Many times, the battered women’s shelters will provide a minimum amount of counseling. Find long-term counseling so that you can properly heal and move on with your life.

Battered and Abused Women’s Shelters

These safe havens for women are set up all over the country to allow women and their children to break free from their abusive households. The shelter’s addresses are kept confidential so that abusers cannot come and find their partners. Although they are normally set up for short-term housing, the shelters have staff members who will help women find permanent residences.

Other services that some battered women’s shelters can provide are as follows:

  • Financial assistance
  • Employment
  • Health services
  • Counseling
  • Support groups
  • Legal assistance
  • Child care
  • Educational opportunities

How to keep your new location a secret from your abuser:

  • Change your phone number and make sure your new one is unlisted.
  • Close your bank accounts and credit cards. Open new accounts at a different bank.
  • For at least the first year, use a post office box to receive your mail rather than your home address. For this you may apply to an address confidentiality program. If you qualify for this service, the post office will confidentially forward your mail to your home.
  • Change your normal routines such as your driving route to work or your regular supermarket. Change everything you can about your previous life. When you’re making a fresh new start, these changes will be good for you as well as your children.

Healing and Moving On With Life

When an abused woman has worked up the courage to leave the abusive relationship, she has already conquered half of the battle. This means that she is in fact strong enough to stand on her own two feet as an independent woman. She is now ready to make a fresh start and build a new life for herself and her children.

She will need to accept the help that is available to her, and take her new life one day at a time. With some counseling and a new, more confident attitude, she will come out of her previous nightmare as a happier, healthier, and stronger woman.

70 Comments

  • Reply Helen Johnston August 1, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    I am just out of a 27 yr. marriage where I was isolated and beat down. I was threatened through out my divorce not to fight him so I came out with nothing. I want to go back to school so that I don’t have to depend on anyone but myself. I am going to the domestic violence support group and know now that I can do this on my own.

    • Reply Paula August 15, 2012 at 10:43 am

      Dear Helen, Your words are so encouraging to others trying to find their way out. I applaud your courage and stamina to break free of all oppression and control. Please know that you are in my prayers that you be able to have and keep the very best that this life has to offer.

    • Reply Patty February 28, 2013 at 8:05 am

      Dearest Helen,
      May your new-found strength and courage make you come out winning on top all the way.
      Like you were, I am yet in an abusive relationship that has broken me down completely. Like you, I will come out with nothing near age 60. I cannot leave yet, for reasons I won’t mention here. I cannot even find a support group with daytime hours or a daytime program to get help while my abuser is at work. It is too bad that we don’t have online support chat groups, that I’m aware of, where we can parhaps safely connect and form possible supportive real-life friendships, especially for older women of domestic violence who have nothing and no one. I believe you’ll succeed. I’m not sure that I will. You push ahead–Inevitably, I will be forced to take the shelter step in the future, most likely, and until then I am suffering greatly.

      • Reply Ana April 25, 2014 at 5:08 am

        Hi, when I was going through my hard time, I was able to find some online support/chat groups. I know they are out there, hope you can find support.

      • Reply Anne LaFleur July 18, 2014 at 5:16 pm

        My story is long with many twists and turns I hope to help other women avoid. I’m almost 60, had never had a career outside of the home except for jobs not paying enough to support myself. The whole idea of leaving filled me with fear of winding up homeless and sadness because I’d be leaving everything I cared about and thought ‘i needed’. When you are smiling far less than you are crying it’s time to make a change. I want to give you tips for surviving and succeeding. God brought you into this world alone and no one is going to take care of you except for yourself but alone you will grow to smile and feel good about yourself again. In San Antonio there is a place called Haven for Hope. All you need is a small bag containing your I.D., a few clothes and hygiene products. They will provide everything else, housing, counseling, clothes, food and job training. When all you have left is your sanity it is time to save yourself. Walking out the door is easy when you imagine your dying with tears of regret and sadness still in your eyes. Check online for local resources. And go. Anything left behind you’ll be able to retrieve later and I promise you everything else will be replaced in unimaginably good ways. Good luck!

      • Reply kelly December 4, 2021 at 10:14 am

        Dear Patty,
        I have always been amazed at the encouragement one gives to another knowing she is in the same situation. I did the same, i now think back and I think it was me telling them everything i knew i had to do and that i wished i had the courage to do.. I am one of the lucky my story in down below, but i finally got out its been hard getting on my feet, leaving everything i knew starting over but it also can be exciting. I am hoping to complete my bachelors degree in social work specializin in domestic violence i have two more years of school. i want to help anyway i can get woman out. If you ever start an online group please let me know or if you ever want to talk just email me…ps sometimes the shelter step is the best way because they have resources that help with housing clothes and other needs..You will be OK!!!!!! i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers while your finishing up what you need to in order to leave, i want to say nothing is worth staying for but its your situation..take care, kelly. kad23ny@gmail.com…anytime.

    • Reply Doris July 26, 2013 at 3:14 am

      I was abused for more than 18 years. Thank you for sharing your story. I’m not ready to share mine.

    • Reply Autumn April 19, 2014 at 4:52 am

      I too have been threatened just because my husband doesn’t want to pay me alimony, so he has trashed all my personal items, threatened me, been verbally abusive, played mind games, so it was good to hear that this really does happen, and I am not the only one out there.

    • Reply Dajahnae Warmack December 13, 2015 at 12:46 am

      Hi my name is Dajahnae Warmack I am 19 years old I am college student at Bakersfield College, and my major is Culinary arts. When I was 5 years old I went to my grandmother church I was sexually harassed by a preacher that I never met, and on the same night the man that I called “Dad” performed oral sex on me. Since then I have been molested and raped by my step father for 8 years until I was 12 years old. When I was 12 years old, he took my virginity and my mother caught him and we went through court but sadly to my justice was not served. His name was Raphael Mallory, they put him in jail for 3 months and charged him as a child sex offender and they put him on House arrest. I was so depressed, angry, bitter, and lonely. So when I turned 19 I moved from Los Angeles, CA I moved to Bakersfield, CA to change my life around and to help people who went through the same situation that I’ve went through. The reason I’m in need of a scholarship because I have no money for my books, supplies and transportation for school. I can’t get a job because I’m the only person who is taking care of my grandmother who is disable to do anything on her own. I f I do get accepted from this scholarship then my voice was heard and secondly this money will help to get through of assistance for my supplies and education.

      • Reply kelly d December 4, 2021 at 11:14 am

        You need to call a domestic violence shelter, but i dont know if your not in an emergency situation, if they help as much. I do know if you are homeless they will get you in a shelter or if your in danger and usually if you have children they try to place you somewhere not so bad..but they have all kinds of resources for you getting on your feet and very important will stand by you in any legal affairs like custody…You are considered a displaced homemaker, DV victim, single parent all of those push you up on a lot of the ;list for help or housing.. go to yur housing autjority or your social services programs can advise you.. or line up daycare which you can get help with, and find a little job it will keep uour mind off of things, where you can start networking finding housing friends etc. if you tell them you are at your dads they will not consider you an emergency i know this thru experience, tell them you are homeless…. i like the determination in your voice! You are done…another thing you have to worry if he is hitting the boys about child abuse getting involved an d they will charge you if you do nothing to remove them or try and get help for them at least in my state they do…that is a serious thing you need to consider…good luck..

  • Reply Catherine Alfonso August 5, 2012 at 12:29 am

    I was sure there were agency’s that would help someone like me get a education ; please send me imformation.

  • Reply kayla September 30, 2012 at 12:53 am

    hi, i’m only 16, i’m. but i was sexually abused by a relative since i was 5-12. i’m not sure if these scholarships apply to me? it seems unfair that it has to be your spouse who abuses you. do you know of any other scholarships that would apply to me?

  • Reply Nessie January 30, 2013 at 2:50 am

    Girl thrive .com Kayla I wonder the same but found this one!!!

  • Reply P92868 February 7, 2013 at 8:34 pm

    I left my abuser 1 year and 7 months now; don’t have children and continue to fight every inch to the temptation of going back to my abuser…I have succeeded this far…I am in dv counseling and attend to 4 dv support groups…I am thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to school…I want to become a micro biologist….yet I have no money and barely surviving…just got a part time job that I am starting next week as an esthetician and hope to provide my basic needs and pay my bills…I have detached from all friends and family members that are abusers…and I am living an abuse free life….I hope my dream of going back to school comes now in this new episode of MY life!…that I have fought from the day my initial abusers (my parents) begun their teachings of how to self destruct me…I am happy I am aware of what abuse is now…and looking forward to getting away from abuse every single day of my life…thrilled to have the thought and opportunity to go back to school! WOW!

    • Reply Amanda September 2, 2014 at 7:45 pm

      P92868 – I have been away from my abuser for 1 year and 10 months, and have such a similar story to you! I found this website today by chance and believe now that it happened for a reason. My hope is to find some type of financial assistance to get back to school and share my story loud and proud like you. Thank You for being an inspiration! -AW

  • Reply Caron Davis March 19, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    I’ve been in my abused relationship for 17yrs I put him out last week for throwing things around the house in front of my children. He’s gone to work now.I’m free and happy until 11pm when he get off work. I’ve tried to leave but every time i fail . I cant afford to relocate

    • Reply kelly d December 4, 2021 at 10:30 am

      Hello Caron, try and put away any amount of money $2 from a grocery trip, anything it eventually builds up, keep it secret and hidden. Hopefully he isnt like mine was and i had to account for every penny.. Please try alot of the shelters will help you its hard at first i failed many times for fear of being homeless broke and putting the kids through that but let me tell you from experience the peace of mind i have now instead of fear is beyond explanation… i too had children, two girls two boys, they lived through it all except my youngest, i used to cover up as much of it as i could but… now that my children have grown i see the damage it did keeping them in that atmosphere. If you ever want some one to listen or talk you can email me anytime.. my story is down below if you want to read some of it…take care stay safe..kelly

  • Reply Teri May 9, 2013 at 12:56 am

    I have tried 21 years, now after raising 7 sons, one has autism, he’s had his mom pay enough to an attorney to get very little jail time for 7th assault bodily injury and violating a protection order. While I was in hospital, he took everything of value, emptied bank accounts etc. He is her only son, but gee you’d think she cared about her own grandchildren. Not, poor him he beat me as I,slept after coming in drunk…fractured my skull..No Hope 52 years old, have nothing. Any ideas

    • Reply kelly d December 4, 2021 at 11:01 am

      Never ever give up hope! My story is below, seven sons? I pray if they are witnessing this it has the reaction of it makes them sick and not that woman are supposed to be treated like that.. you never can tell which way they will go.. or they will be growing and may go after him their selves as mine did trying to protect me.. well my ex was a drunk a black belt not a chance for my scrawny 16 year old… thank god he did not get hurt.. but it did nothing to stop or interfer in the beating i was about to get, although he is the one that saved my life the last beaten i took.. I never knew the feelings of guilt my son felt, as a male he felt he should do something to help his mother stop this man from hurting me..Stinks that he took everything but they are all just “things” we get new ‘things’. I furnished a three bedroom place from yard sales, had only the clothes on my back and my childrens back . I made adventures/ games out of a lot of the things we were going thru after i left. If i could do it with four kids, no self esteem at all you can. it did help that my city had finally started taking over charges so that I could not be “persuaded” into dropping them…I was so happy to hear you dont need to sign the complaint the state is taking over these charges…thank you lord! that took a lot off of me…you can do this. start planning but dont write it down, even if you are getting along have a plan for that time he comes in dtunk and forgets how good you were getting along. Have a plan, have an extra outfit copies of important papers like birth certificates ss numbers etc. any money you can stash and i would put one favorite toy of each kid. place these some where with someone you know hates him and you can trust..then you dont have to worry when running. you can even have a plan with your children if you didnt think they would tell daddy but be careful there. anyway im sure you heard this all before..But 52 is young, I am 58 and getting my bachelors degree i feel great and excited about my new future.. you will too. if you want to chat or just listen to me chat lol messaget me anytime. sincerely kelly good luck

  • Reply MONICA RENFRO May 17, 2013 at 6:22 am

    Hello . I leave an abusive marriage 6 months ago, and I got a restraining order on behalf of him, and now I am trying hard rebuild my life. I am looking for a grant for study a masters degree. I live in Eugene Oregon. I am 40 years old and I come fromo Mexico, I got married with my husband there, I had education in my Country but here I have nobody who cuold help me but now the most important to me is rebuild my life for me and for my 7 years old son. I will appreciate if you can help me. Actually I am resident and I have not work. Thanks

  • Reply stephanie May 19, 2013 at 11:15 am

    I am a 28 year old women I have two children I have been in a marriage for ten years where I have gotten hit time and time again never did to much about it till I finally had enough I called the cops on him the other day I am sorry I did not do it sooner because the abuse moved not only to me but to my two boys to who are only 7 and 9 I am determined to leave and forget this life I move in two days to live with my dad enrolled in college I start this year on aug 21 to become a social worker maybe one day i will be the one who can help somebody I will never be like this again I am trying to find scholarships and grants to help me get on my feet if anyone knows anything please e-mail me Lil_mama_90306@yahoo.com i really need help i don’t know what to do this is all happening so fast but i know it has to or it will never get done my mind nor body can not take anymore nor can my boys just the other day he beat them with a belt i can only live with my dad for less then a month and with no income this is becoming very hard but i know i can not stay here if anyone has any ideas on how to help with school or housing in a matter or small period of time i will be greatful and forever in your debt please someone know something

    • Reply anne August 10, 2013 at 6:05 am

      go to a dv shelter. they can provide a safe place for you and your children. they can help you find resources to get on your feet. that is what they are for!

    • Reply Peggy S. August 28, 2013 at 5:37 am

      If there is an organization for battered women (I found the number in the blue pages of the phone book) they will have resources for you.

      Also, apply for housing assistance, food stamps, welfare etc. anything you can find. You don’t have to live off the gov’t forever, it’s just a leg up for a little while. You have been “involuntarily displaced from your home” and you have children, that will move the process a bit faster.

      The month at your dad’s, hopefully will give you the breathing room to accomplish everything. Good luck and God bless!

  • Reply Elaina May 21, 2013 at 12:31 am

    I was never helped or told about this site or help form any medical providers or counselors.
    I was told by another survivior to search.
    I has been a long journey and I am now ready and safer.
    I have no income for education and do not have enough from Social Security to live on.
    I pray some if not all I apply to will help me to help others and make awareness of the need.

  • Reply Jeannick Harris May 29, 2013 at 10:58 pm

    I am 27 years old, just came out from a marriage where I was isolated and beaten down for in a foreign country in Michigan far away from my friends or family. I had to leave my abuser and I am just starting to take care of myself after all this physical and emotional abuse. I am looking forward to getting a scholarship opportunity so I can go back to school and build my future with this support. Thanks, God bless!

  • Reply Elizabeth May 31, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    I want to share my life after I left the abuser. I want to give hope to other women. I need to also share, because our state does not recognize emotional abuse, we are still being abused. He has stopped the physical to my children because he is smart enough to know he would never see any of us again…but the emotional is a constant battle…now my success…

    I am 43 now. I am mother to two incredible boys, nine and eleven. My eleven year old has high functioning autism. I have worked two jobs at any given time just to make ends meet, but I also attend college and take out maximum student loans to survive. Wait, do not fret……read on.

    On May 18, 2013 I graduated with TWO degrees, AA in General Studies and AS in Business. I graduated from the honors college as well. My GPA is a 4.0!!! I have had my story, which started out as an english assignment, published and used by my current state to help train their CPS/DFS workers about domestic violence. I have been asked to speak at many events and by six other states!

    I am going to go to law school to represent children and families of domestic violence FOR FREE! I will work part time in Business Law to support my family while my main goal is survivors of domestic violence. I want to do this because when I wanted to file for divorce, each lawyer I called wanted a minimum of $3,000 to even take on my case. My Dad (my son’s and I were taken 2,100 miles away from my family to keep us isolated) took out a loan to help, since then my cousins, aunts, and uncles have paid the loan off. I still pay $10 a month to my parents to pay them all back.

    To the women of domestic violence I say this: LEAVE! Whether the violence is physical OR emotional! Emotional abuse is JUST AS BAD as physical!! Plus, it is to the core. There was both physical and emotional in my situation. But, it was years of emotional before it ever got to physical. I used to beat myself up, if only I had left earlier……but I did what I needed to survive. All that matters now is my children are with me, we are alive, and we are together. Yes we still experience emotional (text messages, calls, etc) but I am in the process of bringing a class action lawsuit against my state to force them to change their laws…..

    I survived, so can you!

    • Reply Peggy S. August 28, 2013 at 5:19 am

      Elizabeth, what a wonderful testimony. I know what you mean about the emotional. I left a man who belittled me constantly, controlled every aspect of my life to the point I could see no one and not allowed to leave the house. My son was 3 when I fled, with the aid of two local women. One of which he had actually knocked down once when she intervened. I escaped, went to a shelter, ended up at my parents, got a restraining order and within a month used my first paycheck to get sole cusody of my son.

      Then, three years later married a man I thought would be wonderful. The sarcasm, snide remarks and put downs went on for nearly 20 years by that time I was hooked on booze to numb my feelings. I thought it was ok because he wasn’t hitting me but, it’s worse. I finally divorced him, quit drinking and tried to get the respect back from my children. It was an uphill battle for a couple of years but now we have established a loving and positive household.

      Congratulations and good luck to you!

      Yes ladies, you can do it! Choose to be happy, joyous and free. Confide in a friend and they will help you.

      • Reply Sonya November 20, 2015 at 6:22 pm

        I have no where to ask, no one to help. My sister and her three daughters are trying to escape her violent husband. She staying in the shelter right now he took everything from her. He took her car. He took all of her money. And he likes to swing around a lever action rifle and shoot holes in the wall. Please help, even a $1 donation can help start her towards rebuilding her life. https://www.gofundme.com/6ybad49g

    • Reply heather b. May 19, 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Please read Evan Starks book “Coercive Control.” Evan says much of the domestic violence that takes place in the home is the form that leaves the victim in a type of hostage situation. It is a form of domestic terrorism. You are isolated and made to rely on the partner who is taking away your sense of self, your financial freedom, your liberty and your rights. They are all sucked away from you in a pattern of control and domination by the abusive partner. England just passed a law making coercive control illegal and perhaps with public education and advocacy the United States could do the same someday.

  • Reply Christine Garcia June 18, 2013 at 7:35 pm

    I need help paying for school. I am 23yrs old and just moved to AZ to get away from my abusive fiance. My GPA is extremely low due to years of emotional distress. I have continued to fight for my degree yet need help paying the out-of-state tuition here. I am a 1st Generation Mexican-American and my major is Biochemical Engineering. I have one year of Air Force ROTC done at NAU but am no longer at a University level. Can someone point me in the right direction for assistance?

  • Reply Amie August 10, 2013 at 4:01 am

    Please anyone with any information on any help I can get PLEASE let me know! I have been married for 10 years I am 32 years old and have two children. I desperately need help I have been in a physically and mentally abusive relationship,I have managed to file for divorce and would do anything to go back to school, I have no income,no car,and soon no place to live!! I was a stay at home mother and my soon to be ex husband and his family have put myself and my children through so much. I have a very hard time asking for help and have tried but where I live not much is a available to me. I am very smart and willing I am a Christian Woman who loves God and would be willing to do anything for a little help getting on my feet. I have been praying to be able to attend school and be able to have a car and place to call home for my children and I to be safe and start the life we deserve. Any one with any ideas or help, I will do anything!! God Bless and any info would be wonderful!!

  • Reply Tammy August 14, 2013 at 1:30 am

    I was sexually abuse as a toddler by a family member and then again at 6yrs old and then again from 12yrs old til 24 yrs old from which i married a man who abuse me and three kids. When we finally gotten out My second child was hospitalized. I finally met someone who accepted me and my kids. I have had axes thrown at me , shotguns pointed at me if i even dared to say No.I remember crying and making sure my ribcage did’nt move because it would start all over again. Rape was constant three or more days a week but,I’m a survivor. During my pregnancy i learn that it affected my child to where she hated being touched or fed. I cried forever because of not being able to hold my girl.We survived.Now i want to go to college.I finally got my GED at 54 yrs old .I want to go to Culinary School but it’s really hard.It feels like im being knocked down again trying . I want to go to the Art Institute of Raleigh,N.C. I went on their tour and then the shocker came when they wanted money before i could see a Financial Aid Officer. It makes me think that i’ll never get ahead.

  • Reply Peggy S. August 28, 2013 at 4:58 am

    I had not really considered applying to domestic violence scholarships for one reason; after all of the years I have been away from my abuser; just trying to prove to a application committee that yes, I was battered, just brings all of the fear, pain and low self esteem issues up all over again. Just reading the requirments for the scholarships bring those issues up….I don’t want to relive any of it. However, if I am still feeling this way perhaps I need to go through the process to continue my recovery and healing. Thank you for letting us post our thoughts, even if it was unintended, it’s an appreciated kindness.

  • Reply Will Wilkerson October 10, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    I know I’m not a women but I do have a story and am trying to finding scholarships so I can go to college so my kids don’t go through what I went through. My father is a loser and would drop me off with babysitters instead of raising me himself. My mom I really never got to know since she’s mentally ill. Despite growing up as a young boy without parents I was sexually assaulted on a daily basis by my baby sitters son. When I finally came out and told my dad shipped me half way across the country instead of nurturing me himself. I started living with my aunt and uncle, best thing that ever happened to me but there were still problems. I wanted to go to college so I started working at the age of 14 and am not currently studying engineering but may have to drop out next semester due to expenses since I’m having to put myself through college myself. If anyone could help me find a scholarship that would be great, I just want to finish out my degree and get a good job.

  • Reply Autumn December 5, 2013 at 9:24 pm

    I am at the last leg of my schooling and facing a massive obstacle. My Pell grant and financial aid has been pulled due to new regulations and my world has been turned upside down. I currently live on so little money that me and my children barely get by. Currently, we even face the threat of getting our emergency TANF funding pulled because the government programs don’t approve of me going to school. While I remain in search of work this funding is our only income. I cannot begin explain how devastating this is after all we have sacrificed for this degree. This was supposed to be my amazing triumph after pushing myself through 5+ years of college. When I began schooling I had just left my abuser, I had a toddler and I was pregnant. I cannot begin to tell the obstacles we have had to overcome while in pursuit of a solid degree so mommy can overcome and provide a life her children deserve. We desperately need help and I can’t seem to find a single scholarship or program. I never received ‘proof’ that I was beat and abused for years. But I certainly have suffered the consequences. I did see counselors, but they are long gone. Regardless this IS my story and we have survived while I have worked so hard to overcome. After accomplishing all of the requirements, I am now applying to my professional program to become a lab scientist. If I get in it is 15 more months till graduation wherein in I would receive a Bachelors of Science in Medical Lab Science. My only choice is to go forward, there are no other options once you reach this point. I am thrilled beyond belief to have made it this far, but with no financial aid there are no resources for funding the remaining of my degree. We need help now more than ever. What can we do, are there any recommendations for where I can apply for a scholarship? Please help us!

    • Reply kelly d December 4, 2021 at 11:27 am

      Do you get pell grant? because if you are only at the bachelors level it should still be covering you tuition…I to am at the same point you are at my abuser did 8 years in prison i have no proof other than old police records.. my counselors are all moved on. and i am starting my third year of my bachelors. I am getting pell and trying to SEOG i put in for work study, but i still dont have enough because my tuition was kind of high i believe.. i need books and other expenses..I am trying everything i have applied for several scholarships the onlu other choice is taking loans and i will if i need to but didnt want to start out with debt when finished…My school told me there is a lot of aid available thru your state also try and go on board of education or dept of labor look for educatonal grants.. i can’t get any it seems because i go to school out of my state seems like i haveto attend one here. but good luck if you find any help let me know and i will do the same for you.
      Good luckify

  • Reply Estefania December 20, 2013 at 11:36 pm

    Hi,My name is Estefania,I would like to speak directly with someone to see how i could obtain a grant,I want to go cack to school,I am a single mother of three kids and I went though a domestic violence abuse,thank you ,please reply me.

  • Reply anna February 1, 2014 at 7:51 am

    i am looking for money to pay for alternative health care for a spinal cord injury resulting from being thrown by a man i lived with

  • Reply Michele Kunar February 1, 2014 at 6:40 pm

    My name is Michele Kumar. I am 41 years old. I am not one to talk about my troubles and tribulations (or ask for help) only to try to find the positive in it. I am aware of the statistics regarding abuse, and it saddens me that myself and my family are a part of those statistics. I do not have any children of my own but have tons of nieces and nephews (in which some of them had to endure the same nightmare as me.) I helped raised my nephew who has low functioning Autism and also has BORE syndrome. I love children they calm be down, I have lots of patience not only for the children, the parents, but for the staff as well.I have been first molested from my female babysitting when I was 3-5 years of age, then around 13-15 year of age from an uncle, then form my high school boyfriends dads, and finally My first husband would grab me very hard where he would leave makes on various parts of the bossy, He threatened to kill me and raped me on a constant basis. I would much rather been hit than to go threw contestant verbal threats and abuse.
    I look at my life now remarried to a man who is kind, loving and believes in me. I have been in the Early Child Hood Education field for 27 years.I have owned my own school which was a great successes. I have the passion and the motivation. I know what works and what does not. My specially is sales and keeping clients. I am very good mentor. I did not choose this field to get rich but for the children to get rich with
    knowledge. I want my preschool ages0-12 to be a safe place where kids can be kids . where learning dance Karate, succor, acrobatics, and other specialty subjects will be in
    My grandmother promised she would pay for college for me like my sister got. But she passed about right before I passed high school. This was particularly sad for me because I was so close to her and being in a Hispanic family back then I was not encourage to peruse college. So I took all the courses I need to do to work as a preschool/director in a private school and have been working for over 27 years now. My first preschool has a great repetition I worked 7 days a week. I am looking for a grant of at least 75,000 start up cost. I know that I can bring a wonderful preschool to a well needed area.

    I am not one to be a victim, talk about my past, nor want to be a statistic. But due to ths circumstance I am making I have been working in the Early Child when I was Hood Education field for 27 years. My grandmother passed away right before I graduated so she did not give me the start in college like my sister did. I had to work and go to night school.

  • Reply Deneatra February 14, 2014 at 10:33 am

    I sat here at 4:00 in the morning reading all of the comments from this website. It has been three years this month since I left my abusive situation of ten years. I am 45 years old and I have 7 children by my ex-husband, ten children in all. My situation started out as emotional abuse. I actually married him because my best friend, my mother, was dying and I didn’t want to be alone when she died. After she died I went through some serious emotional hardship. It was like I was asleep for years and when I awoke, I was in this crazy battle for my sanity. My children were depressed and angry. I was literally sleep walking. As I was saying it started out as emotional abuse, the physical started small. First a push or holding me down things like that. When I became tired of that I tried to fight back and then it became all out abuse… and like Elizabeth said (above) he still continued with the emotional. He refused to work so we were constantly living in very bad situations abandoned buildings and constantly moving. I have wanted to be a teacher for many years… so I decided to go back to school. I used the guise that we could use the money to get someplace to live and that could support us for a while at least while I was in school, he agreed. During this time the abuse escalated because he became so jealous of me obtaining my education he would take my materials (I’m glad the school was online and so were my books), call me names, and disallow me from using his computer so that I could not do my homework. I would actually sneak to do my homework. I even decided not to go back and stayed out of school for a year, and then our Lord put him behind bars. I went back to school during this time. I did my first paper on the affects of domestic violence. I cried almost the entire time, from the time I started the research until the paper was complete. I had to use certain examples and my children where the children I interviewed. It gave me a new lease on everything. I knew that the marriage was over then. I could not return to the same situation. I supported him for the year he was in prison, but when he came home it felt different. At first everything was much better as I had told him while he was in prison that things had to change. However, I am sure that just as I had felt things were different so did he. I got pregnant with our last child… during the pregnancy he was so kind. The day after the baby was born was when it started all over again except this time it was worse than what it had been before. I couldn’t even move to leave because I had had a cesarean and still had the staples in my stomach. By now my sons were older and very big and strong men so he had stopped the physical. He had began to refer back to his old tactics, but the emotional was horrible… so horrible. I remember when I would hear the door open and close when he was coming home I would just brace myself because I did not know what he was coming with. He had just began to physically abuse our children, my children were grown and my eldest son really refused to leave my side. He was called out of town, he even told my daughter that he knew that he would never see me again. It was during this time that I formulated in my mind it was time, time to do what was inevitable… gather my strength and leave. You would think that that was it, but there was still a few months to go before I would actually ask for a divorce. He came back to where we lived because I had asked for a divorce and he destroyed everything in the house. He crushed my computer by stomping it with his feet. I was going to school online as well as working online. My eldest son had had enough that’s when he took matters in his own hands. He took me to the proper officials to began divorce procedures and I went. I have not returned to him. Of course he is an abuser, so I still get emails from him threatening me and my children. He had moved out of town but he came back. Watching the children’s facebook pages I think he felt we just looked too happy. He has been searching for us because I have not allowed him to have phone number, address, or anything identifying where we live. I did finally graduate in 2012 with a degree in elementary education. I am currently looking to fund my Master’s degree in education as well. I felt compelled to leave a comment. All of you are very brave, it has still been a struggle to move on. A struggle to overcome all the hate and violence we have seen coming from people who profess to love us. What kept ringing in mind throughout those years was an old saying I used to hear on television when I was a young girl “Love doesn’t hurt”.

    • Reply kelly D December 4, 2021 at 11:35 am

      Good for you! Love to hear the stories from other survivors of how they got the strength to go and never turn back!!!!

  • Reply Devon February 21, 2014 at 6:52 am

    I am posting because I am in a rough place right now. I’ve been divorced from my husband for a little over a year now and it is still very rough. I graduated with a bachelors in Music with high hopes of becoming and Opera Singer. After an incident my second year in school Where my husband nearly strangled me to death my voice has never been the same. I received my degree by my teeth and I even needed special privileges to shorten my recital because I was getting so vocally strained. Bottom line is I am just not sure If pursuing my music is the best thing anymore. I wanted to go to culinary school prior to Music School but I chose one and went with it. Is there a scholarship for women who already have a bachelors and possibly want to change fields?? If So, How do I apply? Just reaching for straws I guess.

  • Reply Mandy March 3, 2014 at 8:24 pm

    I need info on how I can possibly find help to get out of my horrible situation. I have 2 children by a man who constantly tears me down. I am so hopeless and desperate, I don’t have much family support on account of them being a source of abuse in my life as well. (Parents) I have no money, car, or reliable sources to seek help. I have tried once to let family know my situation and all I got was judgement. The one person that gives me emotional support lives far away in another state. I want to relocate to where my birth mother lives and start going to school for culinary degree. We have been talking about our plan for me to escape but it seems so impossible. I am prisoner in my own home, I don’t remeber the last time I had money to keep for myself or try to save for that matter. I want to break this cycle, I grew up in an abusive home and I still have issues to this day. My kids are all I have, I want to save them from this environment that has destroyed me.

    • Reply salma October 12, 2014 at 4:37 pm

      Dear Mandy,

      I understand your situation having been a virtual prisoner too. Unless your partner is a freak like mine was, you should be able to swipe five dollars from his wallet every week. Also, apply for food-stamps as a single mother, and use that to buy your weekly groceries, while you pocket the money he gives you for the local shopping. Hope he’s not like my ex who would do the shopping himself. Get help from your birth mother to leave the State, and apply for an Order of protection with custody in that State. Do not apply for it in your current State, as it will prevent you from going anywhere. Also, it’s his territory. Get counseling from your local domestic violence group in your new State. Good Luck.

    • Reply kellyd December 4, 2021 at 11:40 am

      just to add to the advice from the other person that replied giving you great advice, make sure and make copies of al your birth certificates ss cards etc. especially going to another state.. leave them somewhere or mail them to your mom so they are there already you will have to have them to get any kind of help or for school for the kids…good luck

  • Reply Sarah Guzdek May 4, 2014 at 1:11 pm

    I am a domestic abuse survivor. I divorced him right after it happened, and we have 2 young boys (ages 7 and almost 5) my 7 year old at the time was only 3 and he remembers it vividly to this day. I am very very close to finishing my Bachelor’s Degree, but I getting little grants and mostly all loans (which I can’t afford). How do I apply for the scholarships described above?

  • Reply Erika July 9, 2014 at 2:35 am

    I am an domestic abuse survivor. Am currently a student trying to finish my bachelor’s degree in nursing. Am so close to enter the nursing program, I just need 4 class before applying. I been abuse mentally, physically, sexuality, and verbally. Im 28 years old and a mother of two. Currently living at my mother house. I would like to know more infomation about how to obtain a scholarship to finish my dream of becoming a nurse. I’m on my last 6 hrs of financial aid and would really appreciate the information. Thanks

  • Reply Darian September 11, 2014 at 7:33 pm

    Hi, my name is Darian Long and I am currently 17 years old. For ten years I lived with my mentally and physically abusive mother, whom was a major alcoholic. I want to be the first in my family to attend college, and would love help in obtaining scholarships to help. Thank You.

  • Reply Yvette November 10, 2014 at 7:45 am

    I was on the streets for 4 months in a town where I knew no one. I had moved to be with my husband. But as soon as I got here( San Diego from Hawaii ), he began to mentally abuse me, not allowing me to go any where or have any money, always threatening to take our son away from me to keep me from non compliance. It was right after christmas and he brought a shot gun home, I knew right then that if I din get out of there, either he or I would end up dead, and our son would be alone with no parents. I took my chances, and grabbed a tooth brush, his cell phone as I had no money, a warm jacket, and hugged and kissed my then 5 year old son good bye, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. As I cried, and told him how much I loved him, I promised him that I would do everything in my power to get him to live with me. Crying and banging on the large picture window, I could see his mouth moving, ” I’m sorry Mamma, I won’t ask to go to the park all the time”. I cried so hard I could barley drive away.All I could do was yell out the window that it wasn’t his fault, and I loved him more than life it self.
    That was almost 10 years ago, and I was never able to get my son back, but I went on to school so that should the time come, I am a productive member of society, and my husband wont be able to use words as evidence against me. My lifestyle will make anything that he says moot. My son will never forget my husband throwing me out into the stormy day, and the fact that he lets my husband know this scares him. Even makes him feel guilty because in all the years gone by, my son still can’t understand why he did such a cruel thing to me. It was because of a grant that I was able to become self reliant, and self sportive, this I believe will aid me in getting partial custody of my son no matter how against it my husband is. I thank these programs and their constant concern for aiding me in obtaining at least some of my goals. The important ones.

  • Reply John November 18, 2014 at 10:40 am

    My mother was abused for the 12 years she was married to my father and until the day he committed suicide. She met him during college and really had not developed a career as a result of the abuse (it took everything she had to survive and to keep her kids alive). After his death, she regrouped, applied to and was accepted into law school, and emerged (though not unscathed) from severe trauma. In many ways, education was a saving grace for her and presumably for many women. I am now a social worker addressing issues of trauma and violence and fully believe that all survivors of abuse deserve grants and scholarships as a means to find a rewarding life for themselves after the abuse.

  • Reply Henrietta November 20, 2014 at 10:51 am

    My name Is Henrietta,I have six kid’s I was In an very bad abusive relationship from the age of 18 It started off as verbal and then physically,as the time goes by after the beating he would sex with me
    this went on for years,and then after I found out he was molesting my daughter I had to do something,so now he Is serving 47 years In prison,I moved to another state was working two jobs until I started back to school,going for my Bachelor In Psychology this my first month In school and I’m very excited,I haven’t been to counseling but would love a shot at a scholarship to pay for my schooling.

  • Reply Zeai December 10, 2014 at 9:04 am

    When I was six I was molested multiple times and after that (all through out my preteen and teen years) I was emotionally and verbally abused. I’m eighteen now and currently on my own (having left the situation 6 months ago) I don’t know if any of these apply. I really need to get to college to support myself. If these don’t work are there any others? Thank you.

  • Reply Miranda December 15, 2014 at 6:43 pm

    I am 17 years old. My father verbally and physically abused my mother ever since I can remember. When he took the abuse to me my mother left him, leaving us with little to no money. Keeping the cycle going, I found myself in an abusive relationship with my boyfriend. I finally got out of that, was homeless for several months but graduated from high school one year early and started college. I just completed my first semester but found I am short on my tuition for the upcoming semester. A scholarship would be a Godsent.

  • Reply Nathan January 14, 2015 at 7:29 am

    Im 19, male, and during my 1st semester as a sophomore at my college i was forced to withdrawal myself because i was unwillingly persuaded to engage in a relationship with a man nearly twice my age who stocked, verbally abused, and massed me in the eye. Umongst other acts that i have only come to call forced persuasions. In short this man put fear into an apathetic personality. causing me to become distracted, gain anxiety, and set back my academics, as well as my finances by again persuading me to use my financial aid, loans, and even max out my brand new credit card on his needs. I am currently trying to get my academics back on track and was wondering if there were any scholarships that might best fit my current situation. Thank you.

  • Reply tricia February 26, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    I was in an abusive relationship for over 30 years. Physical abuse was not part of it even though at one time he did threaten me with it. My abuse was emotional, mental and sexual and he did threaten to shoot me at three different times during our marriage. Thank goodness he decided to leave for another victim, although I feel sorry for her. I am in counseling, church and planning on going back to college to become a domestic abuse therapist. Hang in there and get out of the situation before it becomes too explosive.

  • Reply Blanca March 9, 2015 at 5:58 am

    I am 31 y/o mother to three girls, 1, 2 and 4. I was Sexually abused as a toddler. Currently in an abussive relationship with the father of my girls. Verbal as well as physical. We have been in this situation for almost five years now. There is no respect between us obviously. What kills me is that he mistreats me in front of the girls. I consider myself educated ( completed some college in early 20’s but did not finish) smart and capable, but I fear leaving him still. We are not married, but i depend on him 100% financially. I have applied to several jobs and even gotten called but I end up declining because they wont pay enough for me to be able to cover child care. I understand i will need counseling and that is how i stumbled upon this page. If any of you know of programs for child care assisstance for battered women i would be so greateful if you could share. That is my main obstacle finding someone to care for my kids. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories, it helps people like me feel not alone.

  • Reply Sharon March 17, 2015 at 6:42 am

    It’s good to know we are all going through the struggle. I have just left my husband of 20 yrs, and currently in a domestic violence shelter, it’s hard, I’m scared, depressed, angry as well as happy and sometimes even delighted. I understand that this is a process, that getting my life and my two teens life back is going to take time. I sometimes mourn our loss of the life we had, of what should have been. But than I realize it was never real. My husband was a masterful liar and manipulator who would “gaslight” me every chance he got and do it all under the guise of Christianity. My children and I are completely isolated as the family I have lives 3000 miles away and even so they were also abusive emotionally, verbally and sometimes physically not mention drug addiction, alcoholism, bipolar and last but not least schizophrenia. I don’t have a job as I was a stay at home mom and I also home school my children as well as being a University student myself. I have been having a tough time finding a position I think because I was fired from last job 8 yrs ago due to my unreliable husband, he purposely made me late for work and blame my kids, they were small 7&8 at the time. But that is all the past, so I push on, I will eventually find a job but it is more important for me to finish school and it looks like I can probably get transitional housing so I’m trusting that everything will work out. I just want to say that that there a lot of scholarships for women who have been in a domestic abuse situation, most require that you have left the abuser (3 months or more) it’s even better if you’re over 35. Most start $1000 but some are more upwards to $35,000. Just google domestic abuse scholarships and they’ll be an array to pick from. But what I really need is a car, if anyone can share a website that’ll be great. Thanks for listening…..Good Luck to all !

  • Reply Rachael Badham May 19, 2015 at 5:06 pm

    You can do anything you set your mind to there is information out there for every person needing help just ask for it and someone can help you out of what your in just know you must be strong and learn you are great even when you stand on your own. all your guys problems come from other peoples problems but now its time to stand and walk away from the garbage you all are worth alot more look deep in your hearts start asking questions from people who can help any groups to help make you strong to walk away from the abuse I once had a man who could not stop putting his hands on me and I found God and went to groups to help make me strong even took groups on getting to know yourself keep God in your life and ask someone for that little help to find your self I was very happy I didnt have to prove to my ex anymore I was strong and stand up to him and lay him out I finally found a real man who is still strong but doesnt touch me he uses it for other things if you need to email me go head I have worked with abused or maybe I can direct you happy to here from you

    • Reply nina nam November 6, 2015 at 2:15 am

      i need to talk to somebody directly

  • Reply Lilly June 15, 2015 at 9:37 pm

    Hi I was wondering if there are any grants for my daughter to go to college we both belong to a safe at home program and Im not working because of it my daughter just graduated June 3 she is going to college I am short 40000 for her 4 year college. She has also felt it in 7 grade she was bullied and then it turned into sexually harassment the school did nothing she was physically touched by another student. She will be 18 in July. She also received a district award for scholastic achievement in overcoming her hardship and getting good grades she also has ADD. We are considered homeless. Please I need help can someone let me know where I can go. Thank you God Bless Lilly

  • Reply Mikky Tallman June 18, 2015 at 11:55 am

    I am the Father of two boys. On 5/19/2015 The Superior Court of California County of Sacramento, Hon. Stephen Acquisto, was able to take notice of the DVPA-RO entered 9/26/14 against the mother based on findings that she perpetrated both Domestic Violence and Child Abuse, per Family Code 3044 the Rebuttable Presumption, the court granted sole legal and physical custody to the father. The court adopted FCS Report (A76.392) as the court order, effective immediately.

    Are there scholarships or grants available for fathers?

  • Reply Tonga Simmons July 21, 2015 at 7:56 am

    Hello,

    I would like some information on who would victims/survivors of abuse contact for scholarships to attend college?

  • Reply Jessica September 24, 2015 at 10:42 pm

    Hi. I’m in high-school looking for money for college. All I can find for abuse scholarships is domestic violence scholarships. Do you know of any for simply childhood abuse survivors that are available? Any help wouldd be appreciated. Thanks!

  • Reply Laura Else September 27, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    My name is Laura and I am 27 years old and have been the victim of domestic abuse for 10 years with two different men. I have two children, one with each of them and they are 4 and 7. I was abused by my oldest daughters father when I was only 17. He was physically abusive as well as verbally and mentally. I would constantly have bruises on my body, he would verbally degrade me, hold his hands over my nose and mouth so I couldn’t breath, and I had found the strength to leave him when he punched me in the jaw. Then a month later I had met up with another man who promised me the world and would always be there and take care of me. Women be very cautious when someone promises these thing. This is my youngest daughter’s father and he treated me far worse than my first abuse. He is a strong built man and he pushed me through a glass coffee table which lacerated my arm and has left me permanently with herniated discs in my lower back. I have had split lips, black eyes, body bruises, he would call me and idiot, I was stupid and pathetic, worthless. I found the strength to leave him because my two daughters seen him put his hands on me violently and curse at me. I have been separated from him a month and a half and have a PFA on him. I’m now looking to be self sufficient and become a nurse practitioner. Please women understand that when men treat you like this it is never your fault, and it has taken myself a long time to understand this. It is NEVER acceptable for a man to put his hands on a women. I was married to this man and thought he was the love of my life, thought I could change him. They can only change if it come from within them, no matter how much you try just as I have, it has to be from them. Please know that YOU matter, your life and wellbeing is IMPORTANT and you above all deserve happiness, love and respect. Be strong, you can do it.

    I am know currently looking for help for schooling and scholarships to pursue what I want to do with my life to support me and my children. Please wish me luck with my journey, I wish you luck with yours.

  • Reply CARLA sILVA December 8, 2016 at 4:52 am

    I am trying to leave an abusive relationship. However, It is very difficult because I have an 18-month-old daughter. I AM LOST.

  • Reply Jennifer December 13, 2016 at 7:15 am

    It’s very comforting to know that as an abused woman, with abused children, there is more help out there beyond counseling that can help me work to better myself and show my children that we can overcome any obstacles in our path. I was married for 15 years, starting at the age of 17. After many years of being abused by an alcoholic husband, often too afraid to leave or no way to leave (can’t leave when you live 30 miles in country land without a single person willing to help – even local law enforcement), I literally stole half our tax return, called a taxi, & whisked my children away in the middle of the night. A year later, I discovered my daughter had been molested by this monster numerous times. Now that we’re 6 years away from the nightmare, I’ve taken the initiative to go back to school – but it’s very hard. I have financial aid, but that doesn’t always cover everything. I’m determined to do this. I have this fire that keeps me going, despite the lack of sleep, extra stress, etc. It can be quite difficult to obtain a higher education when you have no one else supporting you in any capacity; my youngest is disabled and must be homeschooled. If it weren’t for my older 2 children, I’d never accomplish anything. I work full-time at a crappy job and I yearn for much more. I want to be with that one company that I can retire with – with decent competitive wages (not the minimum wage I earn now), and the ability to not need government assistance to help me provide the most basic needs for my children. I desire to finally be financially stable on my own. I desire to prove to my daughter that you can be broken, but you can’t stay broken – that you have to build yourself back up, put yourself back together, and be a strong independent woman that can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. I want her to know that the things we’ve experienced might have hurt us, but we are more than our experiences. And as abused women, we have a duty to help other women in some capacity.

  • Reply Dawn January 26, 2017 at 4:43 am

    I left my abuser a little over a year ago. I am working hard to get my life back. I have a 9 year old son as well as 2 adult children from a previous relationship. It took me a long time to recognize my second marriage as the abusive relationship it was. When he was caught abusing our son tried to get him help but he did not want to do the work. Shortly thereafter my son and I left. I don’t think he believed I would ever leave but I did. I am currently living with my daughter and son-in-law but ultimately need to be on my own with my son. I receive SSI and child support and am going back to school for job training in medical coding. I can not go back to where I grew up as that is where he and his family live but I will make it. If I could leave you can. I also have physical disabilities as well as PTSD from abuse I suffered as a child.

  • Reply monaliza m velazquez February 19, 2018 at 2:08 am

    I have been in 3 consecutive abusive relationships through out my adult life. Each one had more abuse than the last. After taking care of my mom, dad, brother and 3 children to a breaking point with my second abuser I ended being homeless with 42,000 student loan Dept!!! I had no local family to rely on because My Mom Dad and Ex husband Died so I had no physical or Financial support system during my trial time. I met a guy on school campus and ask if he could help me out and moved in with out knowing him hoping I was able to finish school and still continue to work but I ended up being forced to have sex with out a condom for 6 weeks. I wasn’t allowed to have any family for friends to come over or even receive mail for even have a key to his apartment. I ended up getting pregnant and left him to stay in a dv shelter for pregnant women as soon as I found out when I was pregnant about 6-8 weeks. I had been in a dv shelter for a period of 5 years with my daughter because there was no priority for domestic violence victims because their applications for housing were being intentionally being mismanaged and mishandle. There was a class action suit against the DHS Commisioner (Department of Homeless Services) I was being physically abused while even pregnant and after post partum. My address Confidentiality wasn’t upheld by the Law by the Department of Homeless Services. My Perpetrator found my address through the Board Of Education Lai-son on Premise of The shelter where I was staying at with my daughter. My BOE case manager called me in to introduce her self because I was a new Resident and she needed to do Intake with me and told me that my daughters Father inquired about my address. I have left my abuser 6 years now but I still had co-parenting Contact with him up to 3 years ago. I had to ask the judge to terminate or suspend my visitation because my perpetrator was involved in white collar crime and I am and was afraid for my safety. I am now on Legal State Confidential Address Program. There is no Contact from my abuser. I was forced to Co-parent with my rapist without proper presentation of my allegations against. Him Even when I repeated to request that my parental right to be terminated to put my daughter for adoption but wasn’t honored because my Perpetrator was fighting for Full Custody. Since I have met my perpetrator from college, I haven’t been able to finish my BA in Business Management and have accumulated 42,000 in student loan dept. My Loan would be $400 average a month if I were to pay monthly which is 3 quarters of my Disability Income I get a month. I have done parenting Classes, Domestic Violence Classes with a Certificate of Completion. And I have been in mental health consecutive since 2010. Its 2018 and I like to finish My BA Degree but I have physical and mental limitations to completing my degree. I’m just hoping I can get a scholarship for the rest of my remaining credits (24) to finish my bachelors of Business Management. I been on my feet for 3 years thus far but alone and trying to make the best with what cards I was delt. Please Help!

  • Reply kellyd December 4, 2021 at 11:52 am

    I just want to say i found this page while filling out scholarships..I have read quite a few after writing my own comment, if this ws not allowed i am sorry. Thank you for letting some of us vent i dont know of any other where we can feel safe to talk or ask for advice.. i hope i can help some one with some of the advice i gave.. i learned thru experiencing it all and if i could save someone from getting punched, pushed or screamed at just one time…it will make my journeyall worth while…thank you again.. and good luck to all of you you will remail in my prayers and thoughts…if i knew how to i would start a website where individuals abused could come on and vent or get help, I would definately start one tomorrow…..

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