CHULA VISTA, Calif. — The second annual ‘Light up the Night’ was held in Chula Vista Wednesday, it's an event where domestic violence survivors share their testimonies, resources are offered and the community comes together.
CBS 8 spoke to Isabel Rosales in a one on one interview, she is a survivor of domestic violence and one of the event’s speakers.
Isabel was married for 15 years and moved from Chicago to San Diego to give her three children a better life. But, about a year and a half after moving to San Diego, things took a turn.
“In 2018 my ex-husband stabbed me in the neck twice in front of my children and my kids were taken by CPS,” Rosales said.
Isabel received help from ‘Your Safe Place,’ a center with wraparound services for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault or sex trafficking.
Now, Rosales is in the process of regaining her life as an advocate and entrepreneur, she decided to stay in San Diego to honor the reason for their move which was to give her children a better life.
“My mom unfortunately I lost her to domestic violence and I didn't know how to help her I didn't know how to help myself or my kids but now that I’ve received help and I'm out of the situation and I know how to navigate my life I know how to help other people that's what keeps me going,” Rosales said.
‘Light up the Night’ featured educational booths filled with resources from law enforcement agencies to organizations ready to help.
“Domestic violence can look like economic abuse, it can look like isolation from their support system, emotional abuse or sexual,” SBCS Director of Domestic Violence Services and Shelter Operations Analicia McKee-Chau said.
In solidarity with people experiencing violence, Isabel said there are many organizations offering support.
“Because it doesn't matter what you’ve been through, you still deserve it, you deserve a beautiful life,” Rosales said.
If you or someone you love is in a relationship that may involve abuse, there is help available. Here are some resources with people to talk to and places to turn to for assistance:
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline, call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or follow the link to live chat with someone. Additional national resources and a chat online feature. San Diego resources and phone numbers can be found here.
- YWCA San Diego County empowers individuals and families to break the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness, and achieve self-sufficiency.
- Center for Community Solutions San Diego provides no-cost 30-day emergency shelter program for domestic violence victims and their children.