Escape From Domestic Violence

On December, 29 2008 Shelly* came into shelter at the Salvation Army Social Service Center.  After her intake, staff recognized that she is a resident who was fleeing a domestic violence situation, but at the time there was no space available in our Domestic Violence Unit (DV) Unit.  She met with her case manager and began her initial assessment.

Shelly is a single mother of two school aged children.  Her abuser was her boyfriend of 8 months.  At one time he served time in jail for physically abusing Shelly.  When he was released her talked her into taking him back.  After a short time the physical abuse started again.  At this time, her children were spending Christmas break with their father.  Shelly was able to flee and came to the SSC. 

During her initial assessment, Shelly’s case manager learned that this was the first time Shelly had faced a domestic violence situation.  Her self confidence was very low, she seemed depressed and scared.  She was able to move to the DV Unit a couple of days later and arranged for her kids to join her at the Center.  During her stay here she enrolled in the HIP (Homeless Initiative Program) and was accepted, began going to exercise at the YMCA two days a week (offered to the residents with no charge), began therapy, and secured both a job and an apartment.  Shelly left the shelter Saturday.  She has enrolled in the Continuing Support Program at the SSC and will continue to meet with her case manager and receive counseling and basic needs assistance. 

*Names have been changed to protect the confidentiality of the client.