On behalf of the Krout family, we look forward to having the community come together to raise money for the Danielle Krout & Family Domestic Violence Awareness Fund through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. The proceeds for 2018 will benefit Blair County Victim’s Services & A Woman’s Place in Bucks County to provide counseling and to help cover additional costs associated with victim’s and their children.​

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Why am I doing this? Because I am a survivor. On January 2, 2016, I was brutally attacked. I was 26 weeks pregnant. I was beaten, strangled and hit over the head left bleeding on our living room floor. Somehow, with my head cracked open I found the strength to crawl upstairs to get the phone and call for help. I lived in fear for years, especially during the court process. Through the help of my family, friends, church (Ivyland Presbyterian Church), and counseling, I found the strength to finally walk away. I was one of the lucky ones because I had a family who was willing to help me start over. From personal and professional experience, I can tell you that walking away from an abusive marriage with two small children was the hardest thing I ever had to do. No one said walking away would be easy, but it would be worth it. Everything happens for a reason.​

 

When I made the decision to leave, when I realized things don't change, they don't get better, even more so learning the harsh reality that when an abuser takes no accountability for their actions there is no more hope. This was a turning point in my life; it made me think about things differently. I will have a lump on my head and scars on my body the rest of my life as a constant reminder of the horrific abuse I endured. However, through my fund and this benefit, if I can raise awareness, and help one person walk away from an abusive relationship to start over, it is worth it to me. Abuse doesn’t go away, it doesn’t get better and it can happen to anyone. I lived the ‘fairytale life on the outside.’ No one knew the fear I endured behind closed doors. It’s why I am using my voice to raise awareness and money to help another victim who may not have the family support that I did.

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I’ve decided it’s time I give back, I was given a second chance at life, and now I want to pay it forward.

Everything I do is for my children. Faith. Love. Hope. Courage. Determination. Doing what's right.