Client Spotlight: A Future Mother Finds Safety

LM was 18 years old when she fell in love with her neighbor who was 19.  He was sweet, respectful, and attentive, and her family really liked him.  Everything seemed perfect at first, but after a year, he began to be physically abusive. He would punch her in the eye, leaving bruises that she would cover up with makeup, caps, or by wearing her hair in her face. When they had been together for about a year and a half, they found out she was pregnant. The abuse continued, and eventually LM decided that she had to leave him.  She tried numerous times; but everywhere she went, he would find her and either beat her or convince her that he would change.  He never did, and LM's mother stopped letting her come home because she was afraid for the safety of her other children. That's when LM called Day One. Day One helped her create a safety plan and search for safe housing options, apply for and obtain public assistance benefits, and represented her in court so that she could get an order of protection. When the time comes, Day One will assist her in figuring out custody and visitation of her child.  LM is now planning for the birth of her baby and plans to start college in the fall.