When was the last time you prioritized yourself and walked away from a bad situation? What did you do to prepare yourself for that change? What resources did you have in place to make it possible?
Were you isolated? Cut off from friends and family? Did you have someone making you feel bad about yourself, your skills and talents? Did you have a safety net in place?
No one, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, should experience abuse. Period. And if they do they should have the service and support to get through it.
--United States President Joe Biden, signing the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization on March 15, 2022
Ending an abusive relationship is never easy—especially with the additional health, housing, and economic challenges created by recent pandemic conditions. The impacts of domestic violence are compounded by experiences of oppression and exclusion. La Casa's work, from our founding, has been deeply rooted in the knowledge that all forms of violence are connected. Gender-based violence is one aspect of structural oppression.
Through intervention and prevention programs, La Casa shines a light on the many ways identity, trauma, and vulnerability intersect for individuals and communities. Survivors come to us with needs and priorities as diverse as they are. We meet them - family's like Nancy's - in their unique circumstances and give them tools to transform their lives.
*names and identifying information altered to protect confidentiality
Nancy* was referred to La Casa’s co-located advocates at the San Francisco Human Services Agency office shortly before the shelter-in-place regulations went into effect. After leaving her abusive partner of 10+ years, she needed a safe space to live while she stabilized her life; Nancy and her 9-year-old daughter found it at La Casa’s Emergency Shelter.
Inside the shelter, Nancy had the space to think. She was able to obtain a permanent restraining order against her abuser and connect with mental health resources for herself and her daughter. She worked with a community partner to apply for and obtain a voucher for permanent housing, and with La Casa’s support she identified a qualifying housing unit shortly thereafter.
When Nancy and her daughter left La Casa’s shelter some months later, it was for the comfort and security of their own stable home—a fresh start. Although at times overwhelmed, Nancy is proud to be on a new path to healing and self-sufficiency. Her family continues to access support from La Casa’s Drop In Center as well as counseling services to address the trauma of their years of abuse.
We are stronger now, and I have hope.
Check out La Casa’s Spring 2022 Newsletter to learn more