House of Hope provides just that - Hope

(Polk County, Missouri) Last October, Maria* came to House of Hope, which provides immediate and long-term safety to victims of domestic and sexual violence and their children through a hotline, victim services, emergency shelter or placement in a safe facility, and connection to community resources.  Maria was an illegal immigrant from Mexico and had been in the United States for three years, but barely spoke any English.  She had been with her abuser for seven years, and the relationship was VERY abusive.  The abuse was horrible.  He would hit her, kick her, rape her, make her do things she did not want to do...all the while telling her if she left or made a police report he would have her deported.  He would get drunk and then expect her to 'entertain' his buddies.  Towards the end of the relationship, Maria started to call the police A LOT. There were over 20 police reports filed within the last 3 years of their relationship.  The abuser was charged with Domestic Abuse, but only served a couple of days in jail.  When Maria and her 3 year old son were first arrived at the House of Hope, they were terrified.  But they adjusted, and participated in all House of Hope had to offer.

Fast forward almost a year later...

Maria is working on her GED, and with House of Hope's help she has obtained a divorce from her abuser.  The House of Hope advocate is also helping with her immigration documentation, and now she has her work permit, and residency status to the States. This was her biggest accomplishment!!  Maria and her son now reside in a apartment with House of Hope’s assistance, and her next goals in life is to obtain her GED, and then go to Law School to become an attorney that helps other women that "are like her".  

*Names have been changed.