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As the taxi rolled up and Norine hurried her belongings to the door, she knew in her heart this was it. Norine had been a devoted and loving wife in a 12-year marriage, during which she had courageously endured abuse from her husband in the hopes of keeping her family together. Now she found herself and her children leaving the comfort of their home to seek safe refuge in a women’s shelter. This was not the first time they had tried to leave, but she was determined it would be the last.

When she was 12 years old Raniqua emigrated from St. Vincent to live with her aunt in Toronto. After 3 years in Canada she was not a typical 15-year old. Her adjustment to her new country left her feeling depressed and hopeless. She could not get along with her family. She was not doing well at school. She felt that there was no point in getting up in the morning. She was not happy with her life and felt that she had nothing to look forward to.