Youshell Williams grew up terrified of her father but found herself living with an abusive partner. She left him to protect herself and her children, yet still asks herself, "Why, Youshell? Why?"

Ilka Perez saw that her mother felt trapped and unhappy because of her father's abuse. When she recognized a similar pattern in her own relationship, she chose to be single rather than raise her children in a violent home.

Ella Veres needed to heal after she entered a domestic violence shelter with her teenage son. She slowly recovered in support groups and through the company of women.

Sarah Allen kept silent during years of abuse, but she raises her voice now as an advocate for women who have experienced domestic violence.

Sharwline Nicholson sued New York City's child welfare system, winning a landmark victory. Child Protective Services removed her children after her ex-boyfriend came to the house and attacked her. As a result of her lawsuit, the system can no longer remove children solely because of domestic violence.