sideline here / 202 cover story /
These days, she enjoys a bit of quiet. She visits an Awhatukee Starbucks daily where she works from her laptop and enjoys lunches cozied up with a good book.“ I like a lot of peaceful things. I don’ t go to clubs or bars, I hate that environment. I don’ t drink so it doesn’ t make any sense for me.”
As far as other women who may find themselves in a similar situation as what she lived through, Mehta has a message:“ Don’ t ever think that you’ re alone because I always thought it was something that was only happening to me, nobody else could possibly understand and I had to take control and handle it all by myself. Yes, I was in fear. Yes, I was controlled. But don’ t wait to call 911, just call. Even if you call and hang up, they’ ll come. A lot of women think‘ It’ s my fault this is happening. What are people going to think?’ Don’ t even think about all that, just call 911.”
Domestic Violence Resources
If you or someone you know may be a victim of domestic violence, seek help with some of these community resources.
Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence was founded in 1980 and serves as an advocate, representing the needs and concerns of domestic violence victims in the Valley. Contact their Legal Advocacy Hotline, which provides answers in navigating the legal system, referrals and safety planning. 800.782.6400, azcadv. org.
A New Leaf offers a 22-bed domestic violence shelter in Mesa as well as domestic violence and sexual assault advocacy programs. Court advocates are also available to assist with legal proceedings, court accompaniment and other resources. 24-hour Crisis Line: 480.835.5555. turnanewleaf. org.
My Sister’ s Place, located in Chandler, offers housing for domestic violence victims in the East Valley. The organization also offers education, case management, safety planning and skill / resource building to help empower victims. 24-hour Crisis Line: 480.821.1024
202magazine. com / JULY 2013 / 202 MAGAZINE
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