Help Rescue 500 Battered Women And Their Children

Because of your generosity, we were able to help 547 American women, plus their children,  in 57 countries suffering with domestic violence. That is a record number. While we wish there was no need for our services, we are honored that you find our mission of value and donate to help American women and children in crisis overseas.

Here is a quote from someone you helped: "I can't believe how wonderful Christmas was! For the first time, the children were able to have a real Christmas and not be screamed at or hit by their father. We had a small tree and the church you connected us with donated new toys and clothes. They even went grocery shopping and got us a turkey! I have tears of happiness and thankfulness as I write this to you..."

Thank you so much for supporting our mission!

We are grateful to our expanding team of staff, volunteers and board members who use their talents every day, often under very stressful conditions,  to impact the lives of  thousands of American women,  children and men abused in foreign countries. Our team works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on very complex issues and for that we are blessed.

While we won't have the exact statistics until January 2013, we have responded to a record number of pleas for help from Americans abused overseas in cases that seem to increase in intensity, complexity and possible lethality including pregnant women, forced marriage and honor killings. Without the contributions of donors like you it would be impossible to carry out our mission and for that we are thankful beyond words.

In 2013 we envision peace in every home. A world where no child has to experience violence in the one place they should feel safe. Where they will learn to love and be loved with their self-esteem in tact.

Warmest wishes to you and your family for 2013.

Paula, Noelle, Debra, Rachel, Lucinda, Jenn, Stephanie, Hannah, Zoe, Aspen & Vicki

P.S. We have multiple micro-projects on Global Giving that you may be interested in supporting before the end of 2012, where a small donation makes a big impact.

http://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/jude-is-pregnant-and-needs-help-fleeing-abuse/

http://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/help-protect-yasmine-from-an-honor-killing/

http://www.globalgiving.org/microprojects/can-you-help-kai-get-home/

Links:

• Reader's Digest Article International Angel
• US Department of State Link To Our Website

Rebecca was recently able to escape Bulgaria with her two children and return to the USA. They are able to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with Rebecca's family, safe, happy and free from harm. Rebecca is so grateful that her children can play outside and have fun and not be afraid when they come back in the house because their father would be there. Sometimes he would be nice, other times, his rage would leave bruises on their small bodies.

We are thankful to your donations to our program that help rescue women like Rebecca and her two children.

We also wanted to let you know about our Gift For Good on the Global Giving website: a beautiful handmade pillow cover from Jaipur, India to consider for your holiday shopping.

http://www.globalgiving.org/dy/v2/gifts-for-good/detail.html?projectGift.id=92

Thank you for all you do to help victims in need! Warmest wishes, Paula

By the end of September, our crisis center had already received 2,401 incoming crisis calls for the year, more than we received for 2011 and we have three more months left until the end of the year. This means calls will increase at least 25% over the previous 2011 with an estimated 525 women served by the end of the year.

Your donations help to ensure that our crisis center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support victims in terrible situations.

Here are some quotes from our callers:

"I still feel lucky to be safe and every day I feel a little stronger."

"I took a walk on the beach today and thanked God for leading me to you."

"I am finally sleeping through the night not having to worry my ex waking me up with a knife to my throat. You saved my life and I don't know how to thank you enough."

Your donations help transform victims into survivors. Thank you!

Dear Friends and Supporters of AODVC,

During the first 6 months of 2012, the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center has helped 254 survivors of domestic violence. We have received 1,101 crisis communications from 44 countries worldwide and provided the following services:

• 7 Danger to Safety Relocations
• 14 Legal Consultations
• 3 Legal Retainers
• 6 Counseling Services
• 13 Emergency Assistance and Basic Needs

We received the following quote from Sally who was living in Uzbekistan,

“I was fearful for my life on a daily basis. I never thought I would be able to escape the horrific abuse until I called the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center. Because of them, I was able to escape and I am now living a life free from violence.”

It was because of your support that we were able to help Sally and the 253 other victims that contacted us this year. Thank you for your donations!