The video of NFL player Ray Rice beating his then-fiancé in a hotel elevator has brought back painful memories for Patricia Perez.
In 2004, Perez' ex-husband shot her and her children before turning the gun on himself.
"Out of the four of us, I'm the only survivor," Perez said.
In Tampa Monday, Perez stood beside U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Castor and a host of victim advocates.
"This is happening every single day in homes all across this community," Castor said.
Castor announced a $500,000 grant that will help victims of abuse. The money will go to Bay Area Legal Services.
Last year, the agency assisted more than 1,200 domestic violence cases. Funding will help the agency maintain those services and hire an additional lawyer.
The federal grant was made available through "The Violence Against Women Act."
The legislation protects domestic violence victims by providing funding for agencies that help them. This month marks the 20th anniversary for "The Violence Against Women Act."
Meanwhile, Perez recently launched her own foundation called Means of Hope.
The foundation is a tribute to her two children who died.
"I call it 'Means of Hope' because I would like to give hope to all the victims who are not heard every day," Perez said.
Now married again, with a new family, Perez said she's living proof that there is life after domestic violence.