ROANOKE, Va. – Christmas came early Thursday for some local survivors of domestic violence.
Domestic Abuse Disruption, the nonprofit known as D.A.D., is giving out Christmas gifts to families that it has helped.
President and co-founder Trey Gregory shared that he started this tradition two years ago to help those families in need.
“I was able to deliver the first load this morning to the families and the tears were worth it,” said Gregory.
The greatest gift they gave, Rita Wooldridge said, was helping her get out of an abusive relationship.
“I was held down against my will and so much bad is there that it's still hard for me to explain everything," said Wooldridge.
She says Gregory and his team are her life-savers and she is not sure where she would be without them.
“He didn't abandon me and he stuck with me through everything,” said Wooldridge. ”Every court case where there were months and months that I had to keep going, he was there.”
D.A.D offers free nontherapeutic services in the region for women who want to learn how to protect themselves. They give assistance to domestic violence abuse victims and survivors who are looking for a way out.
Gregory says in order to get help, the individual must obtain a protective order against the abuser. This allows D.A.D to step in where law enforcement and other organizations are unable to.
“If there is a protective order and she is listed at that residence and he is not supposed to be there we aren’t going anywhere, and we will call the police,” said Gregory.
D.A.D is funded through volunteer help and donations. They use the money to fund cab rides, moving vans, groceries and everything that a domestic violence victim may need after leaving.
They pride themselves on dealing with abusers in a non-physical manner. This group gives families the unconditional support they need while putting their lives back together.
To learn more about the D.A.D free services click here or to donate follow this link.