BHcare
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From Abuse to Independence: a Mother's Story
A mother and her 8-year-old daughter came into the safe house. Her husband had been physically and emotionally abusive to her and he abused her daughter. Not only was mom dealing with the effects of his abuse targeting her, but also the impact of now realizing what he had done to her daughter. She was emotionally devastated.
The Center for Domestic Violence Services provided her shelter and support through this time of crisis in her life. She was able to meet with an advocate who spoke her language as her primary language was not English. The child advocate helped her find a therapist for her daughter. Safe house staff supported her through the process of working with the police and courts regarding criminal charges against her husband. They spent many hours with mom as she cried and talked about what she was going through. You see, when she first came to the safe house, she cried every day.
As time passed, the mom had the opportunity to share her feelings and began to see that she could overcome each obstacle in her path. She grew stronger and she cried less. Her husband was incarcerated and she was able to file for divorce. She obtained employment and was able to eventually go into a transitional living program. Both are doing very well now. Before they left the shelter, the mom came to say goodbye to staff with such kind words. She said she felt very sad leaving because the staff felt like a family to her and had been there for her when others were not.
To find out more about the BHcare's Center for Domestic Violence click here
