Alexandria's Story
Journey Center’s [DVCAC] 24-Hour Helpline received a call from an emergency room social worker, desperately seeking Shelter for a women and her child sitting in the emergency room. Journey Center’s Helpline Advocate’s were quick to assure the social worker that they would be happy to help and explained that to respect the client’s journey, they needed to speak with her directly.
Over the phone, Alexandria fought through tears to tell of the horror of the extensive physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse she experienced at the hands of her boyfriend.
Alexandria and her daughter Katie arrived safety at Shelter, both with visible wounds including a broken arm, black eye, cigarette burns, and a 12 inch laceration requiring staples and stitches. Alexandria was hesitant to interact with staff and was even more hesitant to allow her child to engage with other children, staff, and group programming at Shelter.
Shelter Staff honored her reaction, gave her space to acclimate, and offered support whenever Alexandria needed it.
Slowly, Katie started to warm to staff. Alexandria would attend Youth Group with Katie because she was hesitant to let her leave her sight. Staff was patient with Alexandria, honored her healing journey, and provided education on trauma to her.
Alexandria continued to sit in the back while her child laughed and played with the other children and staff- discussing self-esteem, likes and dislikes, safety, and promoting kindness.
One day Alexandria asked permission to leave her child unattended at group. She wanted to attend the adult Art Therapy group occurring concurrently. Rather than overwhelming Alexandria with an enthusiastic “YES! OF COURSE,” staff supported her and reassured her that her child was safe and they would let her know if anything happened.
Alexandria made a painting for her child, apologizing for the abuse she had been exposed to. Tearfully, Alexandria shared her artwork saying she was filled with guilt and was afraid to let her child be disappointed or hurt by anyone ever again.
Staff validated her and celebrated the bravery it took to share. After this session, Alexandria and Katie began to embrace all of the programming Journey Center’s Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter offers, including youth group, self-care group, DV education group, family groups, and fun outings for families.
Alexandria began her journey through case management and was able to work with advocates to obtain new social security cards, a new ID, establish a new bank account, obtain preventative medical care, work her case plan and eventually found independent housing for her family.
Throughout Alexandria and Katie’s stay in Shelter, they remained optimistic and ready to begin the next chapter of their lives. Alexandria has expressed her gratitude to many staff for “letting her do things at her own pace,” and Shelter staff continue to remind her of her resiliency and reinforce her ability to take her power back.
Alexandria continued to work with a Community Advocate to reach her goals and rebuild her relationship with her daughter. Alexandria has even jokingly discussed the idea of being an Advocate at the shelter. We hope to see her resume and application when she is ready.
“Alexandria has expressed her gratitude to many staff for “letting her do things at her own pace.””