A Survivor’s Story – Clementine
“Walking through their doors was my first step to becoming a survivor. I continue to practice the lessons I learned at the Women’s Center on a daily basis.”
Long before she made the decision to call the Women’s Center of Rhode Island, Clementine realized that her five-year relationship was unhealthy but hoped that he would change, and perhaps she could help him change.
Over time, she learned that “regardless of how much you try, you cannot change a person unless they want to change. Only God can change hearts.”
As the situation intensified with continued threats and the verbal, emotional and physical abuse escalated, she began to feel hopeless, sad, confused and frightened. Her greatest concern was for the safety of her young children so she knew she had to make a change.
With the encouragement and support of family, friends and co-workers, and the guidance of DCF, she called the Women’s Center and was reassured that she would be safe and secure.
While she never thought that she would need a shelter, she knew that she needed help and had to take the first step towards becoming a survivor by walking through our doors.
When Clementine arrived at the Women’s Center, she knew that she and her children were safe. The warmth, smiles, reassuring words and support provided by the staff helped ease the anxiety. Within days, she gained a sense of peace and found a new direction.
Participating in Vera’s classes, listening to other’s stories in support sessions, learning to express herself through art therapy and working with Morgan to develop a plan and set goals for returning to work, getting an apartment and continuing therapy helped Clementine learn valuable lessons that she continues to practice daily.
Most importantly, she regained her confidence, renewed her strength, re-discovered her self worth and began to realize that she is “a beautiful person who deserves to be happy, loved and respected”.
“What a transformation!” Clementine also noticed a positive difference in her children. She was always concerned about the things they had witnessed at home and how it affected them. Rebecca, the child and family advocate, provided Clementine with great advice about handling discipline and working with her “little ones”, and connected them with early intervention services.
Clementine and her “little ones” continued to feel safe and happy during their two-month stay with us. According to Clementine, “their time at the Women’s Center was unforgettable. I learned so much and I continue to live what I learned on a daily basis”.
It has been a year since Clementine walked through the front door and left the Women’s Center prepared to continue her journey as an independent, confident and self-sufficient person.
Soon after her departure, she resumed work and found an apartment for her family. She is preparing for a position upgrade and will enroll in an undergraduate program at a local college in the Boston area starting in January.
Clementine and her “little ones” are happy. “Today, I have the greatest peace of mind, I smile everyday, I’m grateful, I regained power and most of all we’re safe.”
“When you leave an abusive relationship, you’re not losing anything! If anything, you’re gaining something, your independence, inner strength, confidence and a new beginning with peace of mind!”