Haltarhuu Erdenechimeg (Chimgee) sought escape from domestic violence in thrilling, gravity-defying acrobatics and dazzling dance routines in the circus. Now 45 and a U.S. citizen, she was born in Mongolia, a country where such violence is commonplace and resources for survivors are scarce. Her late husband beat her so severely her jaw shattered.

She saw an opportunity to escape when Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus chose her to perform with them in America in 1991. Now, almost 20 years later, Chimgee plans to return to her homeland to share her story and offer hope through a series of circus performances and outreach speeches. “I want to tell women to stand up for themselves,” she said. “We are strong. Be yourself; don”t be afraid.”

She grew up with acrobatics, studying gymnastics and auditioning for the Mongolian State Circus School when she was 16. Out of 550 children auditioning, she was one of eight chosen to study at the school. Now, she is a head coach at Circus Juventas in St. Paul, Minneapolis and has started  fundraising for her trip back to Mongolia in August, she told a local newspaper.

Chimgee plans to travel for one month through the countryside, entertaining villages with circus acts and speaking to the villagers about the issue of domestic violence. She plans to fly into Ulaanbaatar with her family circus, Circus Manduhai. Her son, Tamir; her husband, Eron Woods; Stewart Lippe, a juggler from Florida; two students from Circus Juventas and five or six hired Mongolian performers will also be traveling with her. The group plans to rent vans and drive deep into the northern rural areas of Khuvsgul, which is close to Russia.

She has been coordinating with the National Center Against Violence, one of Mongolia“s primary outreach centers. Mongolian women have few resources to turn to because the law against abuse is newly established, Chimgee said. Women used to have to pay money if they called the police and their husbands were put in jail. While there are some shelters, women in rural areas have little access to them.

Though she is excited about the trip, she is concerned that some people won”t like to hear what she has to say. She would like to hire a police officer or other security escort if she can afford it.