In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “A True Saint.”

I used to volunteer at a centre for mothers and their children, and the women were the most amazing, strong, resilient women. Upon arrival they would have nothing, and slowly they would rebuild their lives so they could have their own home, support themselves and their dependants, and be free from the constant fear of abuse. But the first step was the decision to leave. And where to go if no family was nearby that could be counted on for support?

So as my wish list, I would be the patron saint of women and children shelters that are accessible everywhere. Because domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. I am guessing many women continue in situations of violence and abuse because they have nowhere else to go. I would call these shelters ‘Safe Havens’.