Women Against Abuse

At first, Natalie felt like she was spiraling downwards. She was grieving, questioning her decision to leave, worrying about the impact on her kids, who seemed unnaturally quiet, almost numb to their new surroundings. Had she made the right choice?

But when her case manager helped Natalie to secure medical insurance, and she and her two children were able to access the care of a doctor again, it felt like the beginning of a new day. Things were starting to come together, and she could do this.

Natalie began thinking about their next steps. She didn’t want to take the kids to another shelter or housing program, but she didn’t know where else to go. Her case manager asked about family members who might be willing to help, but Natalie was weary of their judgmental questions and accusations.

It wasn’t until she reached out to her cousin that she felt her next steps begin to solidify. She trembled as she dialed, embarrassed to admit the realities of the abuse to her cousin. But instead of another “I told you so,” she was instead welcomed to a new home.

“You just come down here and stay with us. The kids can go to school here. We’ve got room.”

And with that unexpected invitation, a whole new future opened up. Within a single day, the case management team at Women Against Abuse had booked train tickets for Natalie and her children, helped them pack their essentials, and arranged the rest of preparations needed to carry them to their new life.

The speed with which it all came together was shocking, but Natalie never looked back. She was thrilled for this opportunity to start fresh, to build a safe and secure new life for herself and her children.

*Name changed to protect client confidentiality.