It was a long journey for Georgia to be able to feel confident in herself to get a divorce from her abuser. She was connected to RI legal aid and she was able to obtain support in getting her divorce. For many years Georgia feared facing her abuser and was nervous about seeing him in court. With the help of court advocates, she was empowered to move forward and start a new chapter in her life.

At the divorce proceedings, child support was established along with reasonable visitation rights for the child. Georgia left the courtroom feeling accomplished and relieved to have this part of her life settled and over. She is now working part time as an office assistant at a doctors office. Georgia has also recently requested for her Good Cause Removal of her child support waiver and feels ready to be the independent mother she has always wanted to be.

Johanna had been in an abusive relationship for several years with her longtime boyfriend until family gave her the push she needed to get out. She fled from her abuser and found refuge here in RI with relatives. Johanna had only been in the state for two weeks when she was referred to FVOAP by DHS for a work waiver. During this waiver time, Johanna managed to enter a shelter, and soon transitioned into the transitional housing program with SOJ. She’s been attending support groups and working to enroll her children and herself in school.

Johanna has also conducted her own job search and has been successfully hired into a position she hopes will help her get her dream job. She hopes once she gets her degree she can move into a career in computer technology. Johanna has stayed truly optimistic throughout the whole process and sees great things ahead for her and her daughter.