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 her DVSC counselor to better understand the signs and cycles of intimate partner violence. Using psychoeducation and a nonjudgmental stance, her DVSC counselor has helped Susie construct a narrative of her abuse and regain ownership of her story. Susie continues to use her sessions at the DVSC to explore her hopes for the future and desire to be a leader in her community.
*Name has been changed.