Megan’s Story
34-year-old Megan* came to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) six months ago because she recognized some unhealthy patterns in her relationships. Although Megan had never experienced physical violence in an intimate relationship, after she got divorced last year she realized in retrospect the relationship had been emotionally abusive. Her needs were often dismissed and […]
Dec 10, 2018
Desiree’s Story
54-year-old Desiree* was referred to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) by another social service agency in DC where she had been receiving counseling services. Desiree has a long history of abuse beginning early in her life, continuing through adolescence when she was placed with an abusive foster family after her mother died from a […]
Nov 14, 2018
Tonya’s Story
36-year-old Tonya* came to House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) to address feelings of depression related to a recent miscarriage, along with concerns about her relationship with a highly physically and verbally abusive boyfriend. Like many clients who seek services at the DVSC, Tonya felt unable to discuss her circumstances with family or […]
Nov 2, 2018
Stories of Hope: Aleya
Aleya’s Story of Hope is the twelfth in our Stories of Hope video series. Aleya shares how she was married for seven years, and left her abusive situation and came to House of Ruth this past July with her three children. Aleya shares how the House of Ruth staff helped guide her through the process […]
Oct 25, 2018
Ashley’s Story
23 year-old Ashley* sought counseling at House of Ruth’s Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) after an incident with her then-boyfriend, an incident which she was having difficulty processing on her own. Ashley had no history of counseling and was, in her own words, “very bad” at emotional language. Ashley struggled with labeling and acknowledging her […]
Oct 25, 2018
Tina’s Story
28 year-old Tina* was referred to the Domestic Violence Support Center (DVSC) by the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency. When Tina came to the DVSC, her children had been out of her care for nearly 14 months. Her two children, ages three and four years old, had been placed in a foster […]
Oct 19, 2018
Stories of Hope: Serena
Serena’s Story of Hope is the eleventh in our Stories of Hope video series. Serena opens her story by sharing that her parents were alcoholics, and she herself used heroin, marijuana and cocaine. Despite going to several different drug treatment programs, Serena kept relapsing because she admits she wasn’t ready to surrender and give up […]
Oct 5, 2018
Stories of Hope: Renetta
Renetta’s Story of Hope is the tenth in our Stories of Hope video series. Renetta is a resident at House of Ruth, and shares that one of her kids has a disability, and it took her a long time to find a place that accommodated her son’s disability, as well as a place that would […]
Sep 21, 2018
Stories of Hope: Vicki
Vicki’s Story of Hope is the ninth in our Stories of Hope video series. Vicki is a victim of domestic violence, and she wanted to share her story to show other women that they do not have to continue dealing with abuse, that no matter how much they think they love their partner, to not […]
Sep 7, 2018
Stories of Hope: Pat
Pat’s Story of Hope is the eighth in our Stories of Hope video series. Pat is a Case Manager at House of Ruth, and has been a part of House of Ruth’s staff for ten years. Pat shares how it’s been truly rewarding to be able to help women who have fled from domestic violence, […]
