AUGUSTA, Ga.- Imagine being a victim of domestic violence and being turned away from the one place that's supposed to help you.

Recent budget cuts at Georgia's Department of Human Resources are affecting domestic violence and rape crisis centers.

NBC Augusta 26 news spoke with one center in our area to see how they’re coping with the cuts.

Safe Homes of Augusta says they've taken a 6% cut in funding.

They say that's a lot, especially with the high amount of victims they help every day.

Last year Safe Homes offered their services to 1,100 new victims and received over 2,000 calls reporting domestic violence.

NBC Augusta 26 news spoke with one of those victims who says if it weren't for Safe Homes, she may not be alive.

The victim who wishes to remain anonymous says she escaped her abusive partner three weeks ago.

"I found myself back in the ER. This time I asked for them,” said the victim.

Safe Homes answered her cry for help.

"This has been the best thing that's ever happened to me," said the victim.

She says since she's been at Safe Homes, she's received new clothes, a warm bed and has been attending classes designed to boost her confidence.

"I think last night was the first time I've been there in three weeks that it finally clicked that I am somebody, I'm special," said the victim.

But because of budget cuts at Georgia's Department of Human Resources some of Safe Home's services may change.

Executive Director Aimee Hall says she found out about the cuts during an advisory meeting.

“We were sitting in that meeting and they got word from whomever and they came right in and said those contracts are null and void, that they're taking that money away,” said Hall.

Hall says the news was devastating.

"You had executive directors crying because they knew they were going to have to go back and share the news with their staff," said Hall.

Hall says losing money now is even tougher because of today's economy.

"We've received a lot more calls for financial assistance but we can't fund those needs for those ladies since the cuts have taken effect," said Hall.

It's shelters like Safe Homes that allows victims of domestic dispute not to have to use the streets as a way to escape from their attacker.

“If it weren't for a place like this that makes me feel good about myself, I don't know where I'd be. I'd be dead...I would be dead," said the victim.

The Safe Homes director tells NBC Augusta 26 news that cutting their programs that they offer wiould be a last resort.

Right now she says they're relying on community support through donations.

If you'd like to find out how you can donate to Safe Homes of Augusta, call: 706-736-2499.

Another way Safe Homes of Augusta is getting the community involved is with their memory walk.

The walk is to honor Jordan and Shakayla Hawes who were killed by their mother, Michelle Hawes last year.

The walk will take place Tuesday October 28 at 7p.m. outside the Augusta-Richmond County Courthouse.

Shirts are on sale for $12.

Proceeds will go towards Safe Home's programs.