Natalie’s Story
45-year-old Natalie* came to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) to address post-traumatic stress in the aftermath of a highly abusive marriage. Over the course of her therapy, she was able to not only reduce her trauma symptoms according to assessment tools used by the DVSC, but she also began to address longer-standing issues that […]
Feb 15, 2022
Alexi’s Story
27-year-old Alexi* was referred to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) by DC Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA) after her four children were removed from her care. Alexi reported at intake that her children were removed following an incident where her 18 month-old daughter’s father physically disciplined her daughter, injuring her, and then kidnapped […]
Feb 1, 2022
Jayda’s Story
Jayda* is a mom who has two children attending House of Ruth’s Kidspace Child and Family Development Center. She is expecting, and is looking forward to enrolling her third child as well. Jayda has been through many challenges and traumas, and Kidspace has been an important constant in Jayda and her children’s lives. Jayda says, […]
Jan 12, 2022
Cheri’s Story
65-year-old Cheri* came to House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) searching for help after ending an emotionally abusive relationship. Cheri found herself continuing to experience symptoms that were a result of prolonged intimidation and gaslighting. Cheri was able to work with her DVSC counselor to process different aspects of her relationship and work […]
Dec 30, 2021
Reema’s Story
Reema* and her sons live in House of Ruth’s Families First program, which provides supportive housing for mothers who are survivors of domestic violence and their children. Since Reema has been at Families First, she has received the support she needs to stay focused, to deal with difficult emotions, and to make tremendous progress on […]
Dec 9, 2021
Susie’s Story
37-year-old Susie* first came to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) with the goal of gaining a greater understanding of the effects of domestic violence in her life. Susie had fled her home with her 4-year-old daughter after enduring physical, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of her husband. Susie has worked closely with […]
Nov 17, 2021
Brianna’s Story
Brianna* lives in House of Ruth’s Madison Program, a program that provides transitional housing for women overcoming homelessness. Brianna is steadfastly pursuing her goals to reunify with her children and transition to permanent housing. House of Ruth is here to fully support her through this process with case management, counseling, and life skills support. Brianna […]
Nov 10, 2021
Terri’s Story
Terri* came to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) after more than 20 years in an abusive relationship with the father of her three children. As a 47-year-old mother of three, Terri sought to better understand her experience and figure out a healthy way to move forward with her children. Counseling at the DVSC has […]
Oct 22, 2021
Maize’s Story
Maize* came to House of Ruth’s transitional housing early last summer. She had just left a halfway house after serving eight years in a federal penitentiary. Maize feels her time in prison helped save her – from drugs, from prostitution, from trafficking…from a life that is so different from her present and her future. Maize […]
Oct 13, 2021
Tatiana and James’ Story
Tatiana* and James* live in House of Ruth’s supportive housing for mothers and children fleeing domestic violence, and James is enrolled in Kidspace, House of Ruth’s developmental childcare center. Together, Tatiana and James left a dangerous situation. They have had to deal with anxiety surrounding new circumstances while recovering from the trauma of abuse, but […]