WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, cases of domestic violence rise significantly during the holiday season, with factors like heightened stress, financial pressure and alcohol consumption. Leaving an abusive relationship is a terrifying experience for many survivors, especially if there is no support system. KSN brings us a story of a Wichita woman speaking up so that others can get help as she did. "It went from bad to horrible," said Crystal Lee, a domestic violence survivor. Beloved Wichita Chef Rick Jeffrey needs lifesaving liver transplant She says she witnessed abuse as a child. So, she didn't realize what she was going through as an adult was also abuse, both physical and mental. "To me, that was like normal until I realized, 'Wait. Actually, this is not OK,'" said Crystal Lee. After the realization, Crystal Lee reached out to some friends because she had no family in Kansas and planned her escape with her two kids. This was three years ago. "I used a payphone to call some friends and the harbor house and they actually came and picked me up and drove me to the harbor house and drove me to get my kids and everything," she said. Crystal Lee says her journey of healing started that day at the Harbor House emergency shelter. From there, she was referred to StepStone, a more permanent housing for survivors where they can stay for two years, giving them time and support. ‘We just don’t give up hope’: Wichita family hopeful for heart transplant "It definitely helped me rebuild myself and it helped me, like I have an advocate through here still, even after graduating the program that I can talk to," she said. Crystal Lee said she learned a lot of life skills at StepStone, and these days, she feels more stable and grounded. She says it's now time for her to give back to others. "I really want to help people who are homeless. So that's something that I really want to work towards, like being an advocate for people that are experiencing street-level homelessness," she said. Whether it’s for a family member, friend, co-worker, or for yourself, there is help out there for anyone experiencing domestic violence. Click here to find a list.