It’s always amazing to hear stories about women who dare to dream big and create their own happy ending. Jane first reached out for help and reported she was living with her parents, who despite their cultural beliefs, were supporting her on her decision of divorcing her abusive husband, after disclosing to them what she endured while still with him. Jane suffered from long term emotional abuse as well as several physical incidents. However, with the support of her family and DHS services, Jane went back to school while still working and children safety in their grandparents arms.

Jane will soon graduate with honors and next step planned was going after a master degree. The divorce was final and the child support was settled. New employment opportunities also came her way and she is now making enough money to support her family on her own;  DHS is beginning to close her case. The most exciting news Jane had to share, was that she just got pre-approved to buy a house, something she wasn’t sure she would be able to do for a long time. She got emotional telling all the good news, Jane eyes got teary as she explained that last year feels too much like a dream. “Remember me at the beginning?” she said “I can’t believe it.” “You were right when told me I have to believe in myself and I will find the strength within me to do what is good for my family and do it right”. Jane is eager to get in contact with other women to tell her story and encourage them to fight for themselves, their families and their dreams.

Ruth had been in a relationship for about two years, everything was perfect until she became pregnant. Her boyfriend’s demeanor changed over night. He became protective and vigilant over her every move. Once their son was born, Ruth decided she wanted to enroll in CNA training and work part time.  Although her boyfriend did not stop her from doing so, he began accusing her of wanting to leave the home and her son so she could meet other men and leave him.

Ruth’s boyfriend followed her, harassed her while she was at school and interrogated her when she got home.  One night after a heated argument her boyfriend attempted to smother her with a pillow. Ruth was able to fight her way out of his grip. That night her boyfriend stated that he would kill her if she left him, this was the first of several times this threat was made.

One day before Ruth went to work, her boyfriend requested that she stay home. When she did not comply with the request he followed her outside to her car. Ruth tried driving away but her boyfriend followed her hitting her vehicle several times. Despite this, Ruth did not give in and immediately drove to the police station. She ran in and reported the situation the best she could as she is not fluent in English.

Ruth’s boyfriend was so angry that he entered the police station and demanded she go home with him. When she refused to go with him he became so aggressive that the police interfered. Ruth was in shock to see his behavior even in the presence of police, she knew she could not go back with him. That day, she was able to express her feelings of fear and reported for the first time, everything she had been living through. Ruth’s boyfriend was arrested and she was referred to Domestic Violence services and DHS.

Although Ruth was shaken up by all the events of that day, she was still in high spirits. She knew that she had to be brave not only for herself but also for her son. That day she requested an address block and a child support waiver. Ruth began looking for a place of her own and requested our emergency funds to help complete the first months rent and deposit for her new apartment. She just found a place to move into and has not had to miss a day of work, all within one month. Ruth says that she’s looking forward to her future.

Lauren had been in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend for several years before she moved out and took her child with her. She had been physically abused and even took the blame for felony charges her boyfriend has committed. Since moving out of the home, she says that despite the nightmare she was living she has never felt more empowered. Lauren now has a safe place to live and says that the child support waiver she has been getting is keeping the peace. She now has a management job and is returning to school to finish her degree. Lauren has high hopes for herself and her child.

Derrik was married to a woman and has two young boys. He worked as a commercial fisherman so was away at sea for days. When he would return, his wife would always be drunk, drugged up, and the children neglected. When he tried to speak with her,she became violent and verbally aggressive in front of the children. Derrik felt trapped because he was the one working to make ends meet and had no other relatives to support him. His last trip he made as a fisherman was truly his last trip.

Derrik returned and the two boys were at school but the house was a disaster. There was no food in the house and it was a disgusting mess. Derrik searched for his wife but could not find her. He called the school to make sure his boys were safe, thankfully they were. Suddenly, he saw his wife walking down the street towards their home staggering drunk and seemingly drugged with a man that was holding her . He ran out to see if she was ok. When he approached them, she told him to go away and that she was with this man now.  

At that time, Derrik picked up the children from school, brought them to a hotel with some bags and proceeded to take some control of the situation. He had to quit his job because he was the sole caregiver and that job would not allow him to be there as often has he needed to be. Derrik went to DHS for help on what to do in order to ensure the best thing for his children.

DHS assisted him with AAF, Emergency funds and advocacy. Three months later, Derrik now has a new career that allows him to spend much more time with his sons as well as a new apartment for them to live in.

Jessica had been facing longtime verbal, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse from her boyfriend. Her boyfriend would make threats not only to her but to her family members that if they ever told anyone about their relationship, they would pay the price. Jessica became connected with the WRC first when she was pregnant with twins. She wanted to wait until the babies were born before she left her abuser. After the children were born, Jessica was still working and still living with her boyfriend. However, due to family support and help from advocates at the center, Jessica took her children away from that toxic environment and the absent parent.

Through all of it, Jessica always maintained a positive attitude that things were going to get better. Although it was challenging, she has made it possible for her family to live in a safe environment. Jessica is finishing her last semester of school and taking care of her now walking 6 month old twins.

Naomi had entered her marriage with two children, one who has autism. The family has recently just made the move to RI from another state. She felt lucky to have found a man who would be with her and help care for her children. One month into the marriage her husband requested that she use the son’s money to pay the bills. When questioning him he became verbally and emotionally abusive. As the start of school quickly approaching, the children needed clothes as well as school materials, but this did not matter to her husband.

Naomi’s husband later lost his job and came with Naomi to DHS to request benefits for the family. While at DHS, her husband demanded that Naomi stay quiet and pretend she did not know how to speak English. He also reported to DHS that Naomi had special needs and could not communicate well, so all information should go through him. Since her husband was collecting unemployment Naomi was referred to 30 hour work program to comply with RIWorks putting more stress on her.

After having the benefits approved, Naomi’s husband let her come to DHS on her own. At her very first meeting with the ECA she reported the emotional and verbal abuse. She was referred to Family Violence Option Advocacy Program, but Naomi did not need any waivers nor was she ready to leave. Together with DHS, Naomi scheduled a time to meet several times for two weeks.

During those two weeks, the abuse became physical and Naomi’s husband also began hitting the kids. Once Naomi saw her kids getting hurt she said enough was enough. She decided to make a plan to leave. She was able to contact a family member and secretly fled with her two children to safety. Naomi said that it was the most intense experience of her life, but is grateful to her DHS contact for giving her the support she needed to break free. Naomi is looking forward to a brighter future with her children.