“In a dark place, there is now light.” These were the words that Macy, a survivor of intimate partner violence, used to describe her journey to healing and the supportive services and resources she utilized at The Center for Women and Families to rebuild her life. “Coming to The Center was my breakthrough, “she said.
Macy learned about The Center after she was rushed to a hospital emergency room to receive treatment for injuries she received at the hands of her on and off again partner. At the time of the physical assault, she was pregnant, so the hospital staff learned of the abuse while following protocol and conducting a screening that included questions about how she was hurt.
Macy addressed the violence in her relationship, and the nurse who treated her immediately gave her resources and information, including brochures about The Center and the phone number to call its 24/7 hotline.
Macy’s advocate helped her make safety planning a top priority
She called The Center and learned more about its emergency shelter, counseling programs, legal advocacy services and community resources. Perhaps most importantly at the time, however, Macy learned how to protect herself and her children. She said the advocate on the crisis line made safety planning a top priority. “She asked me if I felt safe,” said Macy. By the end of the call, she knew her next step would be to flee her abusive relationship and come to the shelter.
Once Macy arrived at The Center, she said the staff did everything to make her and her family comfortable. “Everyone was so helpful,” she said. “I was so appreciative of the way they treated me and my children.” And this care extended to a new arrival when Macy had her baby while living in the shelter. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of services and support she received to help her care for the newborn and her entire family. Surrounded by this support, Macy worked with her advocate to put together a plan to rebuild her life.
She earned her GED through a local program, and she took classes to learn new skills and update her resume. She will soon start a new job as a peer support specialist at a local agency.
“Choose you first – You Matter.” -Macy
Macy is hopeful about her fresh start, and she wants to use her story to inspire others. She said she endured years of abuse by her partner, citing that he was emotionally unavailable and uncommunicative. She said his drinking was a red flag because it eventually led to his actions escalating from emotional to physical abuse. Her children witnessed the assault that led to the hospital visit where she learned about The Center. He is now in prison, and she is on a new path to a life free of violence.
“Choose you first – You Matter,” said Macy about what she has learned along her journey to healing. “Own your truth and love yourself more,” she said. “Your breakthrough is your new beginning.”
