AT JUST 12 years old, Angie Sanders’ mother was brutally murdered at the hands of an abusive ex-boyfriend. It was a nightmare that never seemed to end. The trauma left scars that wouldn’t heal for years. In February 2021, Sanders’ world was rocked again. Just as she had begun to pick up the pieces of what was her new life without her mother, news arrived that her mother’s murderer was up for release due to COVID-19.
It was like the wound ripped open all over again. Fear, a long-dormant monster, awoke with a vengeance. Anxiety began to cripple her, robbing her of peace and security. Sanders became scared to walk outside alone, and everywhere she went, she peered over her shoulder, convinced he would soon find her.
Sanders knew she had to fight for herself and her family.
“I went into a deep depression, and I knew for my husband and kids I had to get help,” she said.
She sought counseling and, through therapy, began to chip away at the layers of trauma. But it was her faith that truly became her anchor. And then, a flicker of hope emerged from the darkness.
“I spent many nights at the altar crying out to God,” Sanders shared. “And one night, He gave me peace I had never felt before.”
Then came a dream — a vivid image that would change the course of her life. In that dream, she saw herself opening a shelter for women and children affected by domestic violence. It was a calling she couldn’t ignore. So, she prayed about it. But then doubt began to creep in.
“There is no way I can make this happen,” she thought.
Another prayer replaced the flicker of doubt in her spirit. With a deep breath, she took a determined step forward, setting out to make her dream a reality. With the support of her devoted husband, her pastor, and a circle of close friends, Deborah’s Safe Haven at Calvary, named after her mother, Deborah, became a reality in July 2023.
“I never want another child to go through the childhood trauma and generational curses that I had to go through. A woman should not have to live every single day in fear,” Sanders said.
Deborah’s Safe Haven is a compassionate, faith-based organization that offers vital support and care to those who have survived domestic violence, breaking the cycle of abuse in Franklin County. With commitment and a warm and welcoming approach, it provides much-needed emergency shelter, counseling, legal aid, and a strong support system that helps women rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma.
The services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each survivor, with a focus on assisting at every stage of their journey. Whether finding a safe place to stay or navigating complex legal processes, Deborah’s Safe Haven offers practical help, emotional support, and a listening ear.
Sanders finds joy in her desire to prevent others from enduring the pain she knows so well. She believes that it is crucial to end the cycle of domestic violence and motivate women to find their inner strength. When they visit Deborah’s Safe Haven, she encourages them by assuring them, “you are not alone,” and “you are deserving of love and respect.” Her most rewarding moments are seeing the smiles on the faces of women and children who are finally free from fear.
Deborah’s Safe Haven currently operates without a permanent shelter. It relies on compassionate volunteers who generously donate their time to help support the women and children during their transition. The shelter’s ultimate goal is to establish a long-term refuge for them. This would allow them to receive vital services and begin to heal in a safe and supportive environment.
Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the severity of the need for a shelter that focuses on helping survivors of domestic violence in our county. Others are aware of the dangers of domestic violence but are too afraid to help. They tend to believe that if they don’t witness it, then it’s not their problem.
There are four main types of domestic violence: physical, sexual, emotional, and economical. If you notice any signs of domestic violence, you should offer your help. It’s crucial that we all take responsibility for identifying the signs of domestic violence and offer assistance to those in need.
Even a small act of kindness such as a hug, smile, advice, or listening ear could significantly impact someone’s life and motivate them to take the necessary steps to leave their situation. We must work together to create a safe and supportive environment for survivors of domestic violence all over Middle Tennessee. GN
