Emma was in her studio painting when the woman walked in.
She was young, maybe twenty-three, with bruises on her arms and fear in her eyes.
Emma recognized that look immediately.
"I need help," the woman said. "My boyfriend. He's controlling. He's violent. I don't know what to do."
Emma set down her brush and pulled out a chair.
"Let's talk," she said.
The woman's name was Jessica. She'd been with her boyfriend for three years. He'd isolated her from friends and family. He controlled her money. He told her what to wear. What to think. Who she could see.
When she'd tried to leave, he'd hit her.
Emma listened without interrupting. When Jessica finished, Emma told her about the foundation.
"We can help you," Emma said. "We have lawyers. We have shelter. We have counseling. But you ha
