Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/141342
"I moved to Madison to save my life and my child's life." Cecilia Gillhouse Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina Age: 31 Occupation: Executive director, UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence I came to Madison when I was 19 and my son, Tomas, was 7 months old. The year before, my parents discovered all at once that I'd had a boyfriend for almost two years without telling anybody, he was abusive, and I was pregnant. At first they said I would have to get married. I knew that getting married was a mistake. I was not going to have a chance to go to school. I had a lot of goals and I thought they were all gone. But I was going to marry him. It was what I was supposed to do. And I was afraid he might kill me. A month later we had a party with our families all together for the first time. He was very drunk. Suddenly my mom could see how he was and that I was stuck. In front of everyone she said, 'You can come with me. I'm here to support you—but just you and the baby.' I knew that was my chance to escape. I was in the middle of the room with my big belly and when I decided to move toward my mom, he said, 'You're staying here,' grabbed me by my hair and threw me against a wall really hard. Some family there managed to get him into a different room. Then I got outside and realized I was bleeding. I ended up in the hospital and then on bed rest until I had Tomas, who came five weeks early. My parents decided to stay with me to support me. Meanwhile, 40 BRAVA Magazine July 2013 he was threatening me. I was not able to leave the house by myself. It was not possible to have a normal life. We came to the U.S. after talking to family who lived in Madison. They said their life was not easy but nice and full of opportunities, so my parents and I decided to come for a little bit. It was very sad to say goodbye to everyone. But I knew it was my chance to get away. My parents were saying, 'We'll see you soon,' and I was saying, 'Goodbye.' I didn't want to go back. We got here on a Tuesday and by Monday I was working at a place packaging batteries. A few years later I started volunteering, and then someone recommended I work with UNIDOS, which helps domestic violence survivors. When I called and they answered in Spanish, I knew it was the perfect place for me. Since starting eight years ago, I've worked my way up from a volunteer to becoming executive director three years ago. I really love what we're doing because I know what we're working for. I was there. I was on the other side. I was a victim of sexual and domestic abuse. I was an undocumented immigrant and am now a citizen. I came here to save my life with my kid without knowing English. And I had wonderful people in the community who helped me. This is my chance to do the same for others.