Janina was a victim of violence long before she was domestically abused.

She grew up in an abusive and traumatic household. As a child, her parents would use physical beatings as a way to discipline her and her younger sister. As is common with victims of violence, she unfortunately perpetuated this cycle of abuse as an adult, and chose an abusive partner.

Janina first came to the Women’s Resource Center to file a restraining order and was assisted by our Court Advocacy program.  The Advocates implemented a safety plan with Janina, encouraging her to move away from this cycle of abuse. They also worked with the sheriff’s department to ensure a quick service of the restraining order.

Despite the mental, physical and emotional hardships it took to leave her abuser, Janina did it, thanks to the Women’s Resource Center. After receiving our help, she was able to get full custody of her children and protection from her abuser, who had been in her life for over a decade.

The Women’s Resource Center was first contacted by Rita when her husband was arrested for domestic simple assault.

The Women’s Resource Center’s Court Advocate spoke at length with Rita about all available options, taking time to explain the court process in detail.  He also discussed possible dispositions for the case and advocated for her to prosecute against her abuser.

Rita was referred to our free counseling program, and began seeing a therapist regularly to deal with the emotional and physical trauma that her abuser had left her with.  Later, her case was “thrown out” and she gained protection from the court’s “no contact order.”  Despite this measure, Rita decided that enough was enough for her. She decided to file for divorce and end the cycle of abuse, which she had endured for so many years.

This is the power of the Women’s Resource Center, and a testament to the lives we touch with our programs every day.