When Maria first joined HomeSafe’s SafetyNet program, she was unaware that domestic violence extended beyond physical abuse. Through the program, she learned about the five forms of violence—physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual—and realized that the absence of physical harm did not make the other forms any less damaging. This revelation was life-changing, giving Maria […]
When you met Jacob, you saw a normal, energetic 7 year old. In reality, he was sad, angry and lonely. Jacob experienced many horrors in his short life, including physical abuse and abandonment. Then, at only 7, both his mother and the man who lived with them died by suicide. He was orphaned – or
Gabe is a 10-year-old boy who loves sports and video games. His favorite subject in school is math, and he proudly recites the multiplication table. Since coming to HomeSafe, he joined a little league football team and was thrilled to score his first touchdown. Unfortunately, Gabe also had a very rough start to his life.
Aria is a smart, sweet seventh-grader. She was removed from her home when it was discovered that she was being abused by her stepfather. When her mother did not intercede, parental rights were terminated, and she was placed in the foster care system. Aria moved from foster home to home. Feeling abandoned, unloved, and filled
Despite a childhood marked by domestic violence, abuse, and neglect, Katie continues to carry a hopeful outlook on life and the possibilities ahead of her. After being removed from her biological parents, Katie experienced multiple foster care placements and additional trauma at the hands of another adult who should have protected her. At age 15,
Julie was 3 years old when her mother died in a car accident, and she was placed in her father’s care. Not long after, it became known that Julie’s father was sexually abusing her and was allowing other men to come into the home and molest her as well. Her siblings were also being sexually
After enduring years of trauma and instability, fourteen-year-old Josue arrived at HomeSafe’s Specialized Therapeutic Group Care Program angry and afraid. His volatile, threatening behavior caused ongoing problems at school and with HomeSafe staff. He was later placed in a higher-level residential program and eventually went to live with his sister, but their relationship quickly deteriorated.
Mona is the mother of four children ages 7 to 18. She was referred to the SafetyNet program by the Florida Department of Children and Families after a serious domestic violence incident with her boyfriend, Jose. Jose had been living with the family for some time, even though he and Mona no longer had a
Tamara is a 31-year-old female who was a victim of domestic violence by her youngest child’s father. She also has an older child with autism. Tamara was referred to SafetyNet through HomeSafe’s Healthy Beginnings Program. She was an enthusiastic participant in the weekly adult therapeutic support group. She entered the program afraid for her future
