BOSQUE COUNTY — Two best friends, Sarina Ozuna and Karath Pruett, are trying to help the women of Bosque County who are victims of physical and mental abuse.
The idea came after Ozuna and Pruett realized they are both survivors of abuse.
"Words more so than anything, I used to tell him all the time I rather you hit me than say some of the things that you say," Pruett said.
Leaning on each other for support, and a local church, they realized there weren't any support groups or other help in the Bosque County area. They soon decided they wanted to be that outlet.
"Sometimes its hard for people to want to reach out, and if all they have is a church they might not ask for it at all," Ozuna said.
They created Abigail's Place, it's an emotional support group that started on Facebook. It's not only for women who fell victim to abuse, but a place for any woman dealing with an emotional situation.
Right now, Abigail's Place is mainly on Facebook, but the two are wanting to meet monthly and weekly as more women are joining. A long term goal is being able to provide shelter for those who need out of a situation as soon as possible.
"I want it to be a place where women can get on there and share their heart, share their deepest feelings, share their stories and just have other women say wow you're awesome," Pruett said.
"We would really appreciate prayers, we really need this. Two, we need women, we need people to come forward," Ozuna said.
The group is Christian-based, but not church affiliated for ones who feel uncomfortable around a church.
"Our mission is to just help heal, not convert anyone to Christianity," Ozuna said.
With their first hand experience, they hope that more women are open to sharing their stories and asking for help.
"Your family can help but sometimes if they don't have experience they don't truly understand what you're going through," Pruett said.
Pruett and Ozuna have both endured emotional abuse by their significant others, both out of the situations and in a better state of mind.
"They [significant other] make you think it's you're fault," Ozuna said.
The two started Abigail's Place on Facebook in September of 2018. Six months in, they are already shocked by the amount of love they have received. Some businesses are even coming forward to offer space or free fitness classes. They are still asking for any help that they can, as they are just starting this nonprofit group.
"I want women to know that you don't have to just survive through these things that you can thrive through these things," Pruett said.
"We're so thankful for having somewhere to go than going home and dealing with it ourselves," Ozuna said. "And thankful to have people in our lives open to listening to us and supporting our group."
For more information about Abigail's Place, you can visit their Facebook page.
If you have any questions you can also email the organization at abigailsplace.bc@gmail.com.
