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For ten long years Isobel had been with a partner who
abused her physically and emotionally
and controlled every aspect of her life. Both of her
children had been born in the couple's primitive living
quarters. They had never known what it was to live in
a house, and because they moved constantly, the children
had no friends. The children didn't even know their
grandparents, because Isobel's husband forbade them
to have contact with anyone else. They often watched
as their father beat their mother.
Isobel's
husband monitored her every move. She worked and earned
money, but her husband took her entire pay and left
her a paltry five dollars a month. As a consequence,
the children didn't eat properly. Most of Isobel's earnings
ended up buying alcohol for her husband.
Three
years ago Isobel began planning her getaway. Incredibly,
from her tiny allowance she managed to save some money.
One afternoon shortly before Christmas, Isobel waited
till her husband was out. She then quickly packed her
things, grabbed her children and ran away. They made
their way to a motel, where Isobel's modest savings
allowed them to stay for a few days to clean up and
rest.
From
her motel room, Isobel reached out for help. She called
the EDVP crisis line and was quickly scheduled for a
counseling appointment. This initial contact was the
beginning of a new phase in Isobel's life. Community
advocates connected her to housing and legal services.
The program helped the children get into counseling
to begin the long process of overcoming the trauma of
their young lives.
Today,
Isobel and her children are safe. Both mother and children
attend the program's community-based support groups.
And above all, thanks to Isobel's decision to call the
crisis line, she and her children have a proper place
to live and the family finally has a stable home.
© 2000-2003 Eastside Domestic Violence Program
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