Domestic Violence Hurts Everyone

Domestic Violence Hurts EveryoneGertrude never planned to call FAMILY.  In November 1998 she was a mother working two jobs. She was in college. Her relationship with her youngest child's father had recently turned ugly. More than once, a court order had failed to prevent her ex-husband's attacks and harassment. One afternoon, as she prepared for her son's birthday party, her ex-husband forced his way into the apartment, repeatedly hit her in the head with a phone and choked her unconcious. When she awoke, her two youngest children were standing in the doorway, crying, and her attacker was gone. Devastated, Gertrude called her sister for help. "I was so close to finally getting off public assistance," she said.  Gertrude cried as she described this period of upheaval for her and her children.

She crowded into her sister's apartment and began to look for her own in the area. RUPCO, which was helping Gertrude qualify for housing assistance, encouraged her to contact FAMILY for support. "It was really hard with my five children and my sister's five as well. FAMILY helped me to keep my resolve, to not give up when I got discouraged."

FAMILY's Domestic Violence support group for women who are not living at the shelter felt like home to her. "I got to meet women in situations that were just as bad as mine and even worse. It was so good to know I wasn't by myself."

Gertrude has suffered a lot. She lost her youngest son in a custody battle. Bouts with depression have plagued her. But her children are doing well and Gertrude has become a Certified Medical Assistant. She plans to begin nursing school and earn enough money to regain custody of her son. Gertrude continues to attend the FAMILY Shelter's non-resident support group. "It was and still is aplace to share my thoughts and not be judged."

Links to FAMILY Resources to End Domestic Violence


Other Useful Resources

FAMILY’s Services to End Domestic Violence
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