Gaudy,* age 41, and her young children were referred to HomeSafe’s SafetyNet Program for domestic violence counseling. She had endured a long history of verbal, physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband, Carlos.
The ongoing domestic abuse consisted of extreme jealousy, controlling behaviors and stalking, and culminated with a serious physical assault. Gaudy was severely beaten, had her teeth knocked out, and was threatened with a knife. Carlos’s alcohol and drug abuse had spiraled out of control and he was on the run from the police. Ultimately, he was arrested, plead guilty to various charges and was deported back to his native country.
Gaudy found herself struggling with only one income, working nonstop cleaning houses to support her children. Upon arriving at SafetyNet, Gaudy and her children immediately began intensive individual and group therapy services. They rarely missed a session and were committed to learning how to cope and process the trauma they had experienced. They exhibited a strong sense of resilience and were very motivated to begin the healing process.
SafetyNet therapists connected Gaudy with resources for emergency food, basic needs, and legal advocacy. She also received strength and guidance from other women in her support group. In time, Gaudy felt empowered to make a change for her family by moving to a safer home environment and learning to better communicate with her kids. Her daughter, Alicia, age 14, confided in staff that she had a history of self-harming behaviors (cutting) and was able to address this serious issue with her therapist. Junior, age 8, found his sessions to be a valuable tool to learn how to express his repressed feelings of fear and hopelessness.
Gaudy and her children still participate in the program. They engage in therapy sessions via tele-conference which has helped them to cope with their stress exacerbated by COVID-19. Gaudy reports that “things are much better now.” The family is on track to successfully graduate the program at the end of the year. *Name has been changed to protect the client.
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