CLIENT STORY Story #3 of 6 | Previous | Next Program: Domestic Violence Shelter Ms. Smith is a 40 year-old woman with four children who has been married for 15 years. Ms. Smith was forced to leave her home due to domestic violence. According to Ms. Smith, her husband and his family were abusive to her. Ms. Smith came to a Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Shelter in June. Ms. Smith was a transient, staying briefly from one home to the next in her community hiding from her batterer and his parents. She decided to leave her home because her situation became life threatening. She indicated that her husband tried to kill her by attempting "to throw me out of the window". Ms. Smith was clearly in a crisis. She was scared, confused and anxious. Her stay at a Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Shelter was definitely a trying period for her. She had to acclimate herself to a completely different environment. She was distressed about where her children would attend school. There were many complicating factors in this case. Language was a major barrier between advocate and resident. We had a difficult time communicating with each other in the beginning. Ms. Smith had a very thick accent and had difficulty expressing her thoughts. She was not proficient in English, but was able to speak a little. During her stay in a Safe Horizon Domestic Violence Shelter, Ms. Smith received counseling services, intensive case management and supportive services. She also participated in a 10-week parenting skills workshop, job readiness and independent living skills workshop. This advocate helped her navigate the social services system and served as a liaison to outside services. Ms. Smith secured permanent housing and was very happy to move to her new apartment. She continues to receive therapy at a clinic. Now, Ms. Smith has a better outlook on her future and appears very happy. She seems more confident and secure. She was very thankful for all the services provided to her during her stay. Previous | Next