Anna Marie's Alliance

Each year an estimated 3.3 million children witness domestic violence.

You know, we all have a story to tell, and I'm no different. I was born near Clearwater, Minn. I played with my friends in the neighborhood and my brothers and sisters. I'm sure from the outside looking in, our family looked like everyone else's - a mom, a dad and a bunch of rowdy kids.

But like the little girl in the video, the monster in our closet had a familiar face. I remember shouting matches, ashtrays flying and my mother crying. My dad was one of those guys who everybody loved - outside the house, and when he wasn't drinking. But inside our home - where we all deserved to be safe - the monster ruled. We finally moved to another town after my mother's back was broken.

Each year, approximately 300 women and children reside at Anna Marie's emergency shelter. Anna Marie's Alliance provides services to at least 1,800 victims annually.

You can help women and children fleeing domestic abuse in Central Minnesota by donating to Anna Marie's Alliance.

To learn more about Anna Marie's Alliance, please visit www.annamaries.org.