Each year during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, C&FS works to shine the light on prevention and create more awareness of the help that is out there.
Veronica* felt trapped. Her boyfriend demanded to know where she was at all times. He grew paranoid, becoming violent when he doubted that Veronica was telling him the truth. It got to the point that she was afraid to leave her apartment.
Then a friend told Veronica about Haven House. In less than a day, Veronica reached out to a Haven House counselor.
With help from her advocates at Haven House, Veronica was able to sever all ties with her boyfriend. She had a new apartment, a security system, and a new phone number, so he was not able to contact her. Veronica’s self-esteem remained rattled, though. She continued attending individual and group counseling sessions in order to support her mental health.
Veronica’s counselors saw her make great progress. Her entire demeanor transformed. She spoke with more confidence. Even her posture changed from slouched to upright and poised. When she first arrived, she would question what she had done wrong in her relationship. Over time, she recognized that she was not to blame.
During the sessions, Veronica would speak about what she wanted more than anything – a fresh start. “In my work with Veronica, she spoke often about her vision of peace. She wanted a place to call home, a shelter dog, and freedom to sit at home on her couch and watch a movie without fear,” recalled Kristin, Supervisor of Haven House’s Counseling and Advocacy Program.
Recently, that vision became a reality. Veronica found housing and a job that took her out of state. Haven House also helped find a new trauma counseling program for Veronica to attend in her new state.
“She has been resilient in the face of trauma, and she has empowered herself to move towards this goal,” Kristin said. “I have full faith that she will find her peace.”
Haven House is here for anyone feeling unsafe. Call Haven House’s 24-hour hotline at 716-884-6000 or message the confidential online chat at www.cfsbny.org/hh-chat/ for help.
*Name changed for confidentiality.