Domestic violence has been around since the beginning of time.

While it doesn't always involve women and their partners, it more than often does.

During domestic violence awareness month, we'll take you inside a safe haven in Elkhart where battered women are getting their lives back.

Lisa Marie Bianco is the face of domestic violence in Michiana.

This police interview followed a beating two decades ago that put her husband behind bars.

It would be her last. She was beaten to death when he was released on a weekend pass.

“Drove immediately to her home and basically bashed her head in with the butt end of a shotgun,” Kelly Metzger, Director of the Elkhart County Women's Shelter said.

A law mandates victims be made aware when their abusers will be released. Her death also lead to this safe haven.

Originally called "The Place," the Elkhart County Women's Shelter is a place where women and their children can find refuge and hope.

Director Kelly Metzger says domestic abuse hits rich and poor.

“What a person sees or perceives a couple to be in a social situation can be very different than is actually going on in their own home,” Metzger said.

This 18-year-old mother of one, whose identity were are protecting, is getting a second chance.

My mom was abusing me, it was like calling me names telling me I wasn't going to be anything in life,” victim Kathy said

A boyfriend also beat her.

“He slaps me, he'll choke me, he'll push me, he'll tell me I’m not nothing and no one wants me,” Kathy said

This woman, we'll call Jamie, left her abuser for the child she never had.

“I would cook and he'd throw the food all over the place,” Jamie said

“Why would you have stayed?” Reporter Maureen McFadden asked.

“Because I love him,” Jamie replied

“How bad did it get?” McFadden asked.

“To the point where I had a miscarriage,” Jamie said

Through shelter and counseling women like Kathy and Jamie learn abuse, physical or verbal, is never okay.

A message both are getting.

“I have a little girl that I have to look after and who will look up to me and I don't want her in this situation,” Kathy said

Jamie has a message for women who think it will get better.

“If you get hit just one time just leave,” Jamie said.

Since there is no charge at the shelter, they welcome any donations you can make, monetary or otherwise. The Shelter does however, need the following urgently.

• Monetary donations
• New women’s socks/undergarments of all sizes
• Boys and girls socks/undergarments of all sizes
• New or gently used pajamas or night gowns of all sizes
• Hand soap
• Feminine hygiene products
• Diapers of all sizes, especially sizes 3-6
• Plus size women’s clothing
• Boxed food items, side dishes (mac and cheese, Hamburger Helper)

The shelter does need cleaning supplies on an ongoing basis. All donations can be dropped off at Family Services of Elkhart County, located at 101 E. Hively Ave. in Elkhart.