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Mary's Journey (Legal Department)
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12/30/2009
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Though the sheer number of clients that our department works with in any given year is truly astonishing and often contributes to a sense of pessimism as to whether domestic violence will ever be a thing of the past, there often comes a case in which the pure dedication, perseverance, and determination of a woman transforms that pessimism into enthusiastic optimism. Such is the case with Mary. Upon first meeting Mary, it was evident that she had been in a controlling and abusive relationship for many years. She had little self confidence, talked with her head toward the ground, was highly critical of herself, and had a face riddled with fright. She eventually disclosed what was already suspected, and tears filled her eyes as she realized the daunting tasks ahead of her. However, for the next eight months through her own perseverance and a little help from the Women’s Center, what once seemed insurmountable to Mary, became a reality, and the woman who once could barely meet eyes with another person transformed into a confident and vibrant woman. Soon after our first discussion, Mary took the first step in what would become a series of equally difficult tasks, and filed a Protection from Abuse Order. When it was granted, a small sense of relief had come to her, but soon fear again set in as she realized that she no longer had a home, financial support, or transportation. Having been entirely dependant on her abuser, Mary had to teach herself how to live again. The Women’s Center continued to provide support for Mary, and accompanied her through both the preliminary hearing and criminal court proceeding relating to the most recent incident in which she was assaulted. Each event created great anxiety for Mary, but during each proceeding and our long conversations, it was evident that her confidence was growing. Her abuser was properly sentenced by the court, and despite immense nervousness about testimony and discussion, Mary found the poise to tell her story and ensure her abuser was held accountable. It was apparent that her abuser never expected Mary to find the courage to face him in court, and had expected that the years of abuse he had inflicted on her would keep her at bay. But through strong will power, dedication, courage, and little help from WC&S, Mary found her voice, and is now for the first time in many years realizing the woman she truly is.
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Sarah's Story
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12/9/2009
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Sarah lived in another part of the state and began receiving services from a local shelter. This shelter quickly realized that her and her children were in a potentially lethal situation. They had to get out fast! Women’s Center & Shelter was contacted and of course agreed to help Sarah and her children. They were transported by bus to Pittsburgh and arrived here safely. While staying in the shelter, Sarah and her children had access to the children’s counseling program, a mental health therapist, and an outreach psychiatric clinic. When the family’s time at Women’s Center was ending, they received transitional housing assistance. Eventually, Sarah and her family were able to move into their own house. Sarah’s former shelter donated beds, and washer and dryer to the family. A local storage facility donated furniture. Sarah still receives support from the Women’s Center. She attends weekly support groups to help her through the healing process. She also receives tremendous support from her new community. As a result of the collaboration between Women’s Center, Sarah’s former shelter, and her community, Sarah has been apart from her abuser for 1 year and counting!
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Tiffany's Story
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10/20/2009
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I bumped into Dectective Williams in the halls of the courthouse. We hugged and asked about the kids. She was the Dectective on Tiffany's attempted homocide case a number of years ago. She asked if I knew how Tiffany was doing- because she hadn't seen her in a while. I told her it's a good thing that we both hadn't seen her in a while because she was in school and then joined one of the armed forces. "She must be doing all right then!" I'd say so.
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