Today we feature the Center for Women in Transition, a local Champaign organization that helps women who face domestic violence, sexual assault and/or stalking. Here is some information from the Center’s website.
Maria was born in Mexico. She never attended an
English-speaking church or school and knew only a few English phrases. When she
was 18, Maria went to a festival in Texas. There, she met a young,
Mexican-American man and they began dating. Like her, he was from a good
family. He had a stable income, some education, and he spoke perfect English.
He promised Maria that he would always love and care for her, and they were
married. Her family was pleased. Soon after the marriage, the couple moved to
Michigan, where Maria gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Deteriorating
economic conditions were making it difficult for Maria’s husband to find
regular work. He spent many hours away from home, and Maria had to wait for him
when she needed to go shopping, to church, or to take their baby to the doctor.
He would leave her without food, phone or television, returning several days
later with no explanation. Maria had no credit card or money of her own and her
family was far away. She had little opportunity to improve her English and the
language barrier left her almost completely isolated. Maria had never known
loneliness before, but now she was consumed by it. Maria’s husband demanded
that she keep the apartment looking beautiful, prepare nice meals and entertain
his friends, whenever he was home. If she fell short of his expectations, or
his whims were not satisfied, he would ridicule and threaten Maria—then he
would beat her. The next day, he would see her bruises and tears and act very
remorseful—and the cycle would begin again. This was Maria’s life for three
years. By the time she became pregnant with their second child, her
self-respect and any affection she once felt for her husband had been replaced
by anxiety, fear and hopelessness. One day, Maria visited a Spanish-speaking
medical office and was finally able to share her emotional and physical pain.
The medical staff immediately referred her to the Center for Women in
Transition. There, Maria received emotional support and help in developing a
safety plan for herself and her children. Within the week, Maria and her
children had moved to the Center’s emergency shelter. Later, they found a small
apartment of their own, near other Spanish-speaking women. The Center assisted
Maria with the legal aspects of protection, and helped her to reconnect with
her church, speak with her family and better manage her daily life. Read more about Maria and others helped by the Center.
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