Former Victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Share Their Success Stories

Marie

Marie, a 35 year-old mother with a four year-old son, entered the PEACE for Families shelter with domestic violence and chemical dependency issues. During her stay, Marie successfully met all of the requirements of the shelter, including attending Domestic Violence, Life Skills, and Parenting counseling groups, and both she and her son participated in individual therapy. In addition, Marie attended an out-patient chemical dependency program.

After leaving the shelter, Marie qualified for PEACE for Families’ housing program, receiving rental assistance while beginning her new life free of domestic violence and chemical abuse.

One of the requirements of the housing program is that residents continue to attend weekly individual therapy sessions. Marie received counseling at our Roseville Service Office where she attended sessions each week. During these sessions Marie disclosed to her counselor a history of violent relationships..

Marie continued to explore and process her negative life experiences - an important aspect of the road to a healthier way of life. Understanding what lead to needing the shelter is an important step in learning how to keep from becoming a victim again. Through counseling Marie is now able to identify the characteristics of an equality-based relationship, versus one based on power and control.

Marie went on to have many successes. She secured employment, and was later promoted to supervisor, enrolled her son in daycare, attended Roseville Adult School, and received her high school diploma. Her relationship with her family continues to evolve as she learns to relate to them from a place of empowerment and not of dependence.

One of Marie’s biggest challenges has been dealing with her former abuser and issues involving custody of her son. With the help of her attorney, and the support of the PEACE for Families counseling program, Marie maintained firm boundaries with her former abuser.

 She continues to work on her parenting skills with her son through the counseling program at PEACE for Families.

Christina

Christina, a 6-year-old female, was referred to PEACE for Families by her elementary school. At the onset of therapy, Christina was exhibiting behavioral and emotional difficulties and poor relations with her peers and family members. Christina and her family had a long history of trauma that included both domestic violence and sexual assault.

Each week Christina engaged in sand tray and art therapy techniques. By using these non-threatening approaches, Christina was able to process her previous trauma and gain a sense of control over her world. Christina learned to identify and express emotions within her sessions and at home to her primary care giver. Additionally, therapy has assisted in providing guidance and support for Christina’s mother, and helped reestablish safety, security, and positive parenting in the home. Collaboration with the elementary school social worker and the development of a behavioral management plan has reduced Christina’s difficulty at school.

Christina and her mother attended therapy weekly for several months at a PEACE for Families’ service office . During that time the family has received assistance with obtaining Victim Witness funding, advocacy for Christina in the community, and holiday aid through PEACE for Families’ Adopt A Family Program.

Jenny

Jenny is a 35-year-old female who entered our emergency shelter in April. She spent eight months at the safe house where she met with a therapist every week to address her drug abuse and issues related to domestic violence and child abuse. She was able to make the necessary connections to succeed in therapy.

Jenny actively participated in all the groups offered at the shelter. She was involved in the drug rehabilitation program, which provided her with the tools to address her addiction.

Jenny successfully graduated from the PEACE for Families shelter program in December. On the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire, she stated that she was very satisfied with the quality, amounts and kind of services she was offered during her stay.

Jenny then participated in our Housing Program. For one year she received assistance, continued to meet with her Case Manager, and attend weekly counseling and classes. During this year she continued her education and vocational training. At the end of the year she was in the position to secure a good job and support herself and her children.

Jenny is currently working, has an apartment, and is able to take care of herself. After graduating from the Housing Program, Jenny continued to participate in various programs through PEACE for Families.

Jenny summarized her experience at PEACE for Families, by stating, "If it hadn't been for this program and all my classes and therapy, I'd probably be dead by now."