CARDV SUCCESS STORY

On 12/14/20 our crisis line received a call from a woman who was in distress. Her husband could be heard in the back ground ranting and raving. The Advocate asked the woman what she could do for her and if she was in danger. The lady stated that her husband was prone to acts of violence and when he got out of control he would kick her out into the street and if she did not go he would physically hurt her. She said he was in the other room and had already threatened her and that she needed to leave but had no place to go. It was snowing outside and very cold. Arrangements were made to pick the woman up at a safe location. When the CARDV Advocate arrived the woman had with her a large Tupperware tote she had put a few things in and dragged with her through the snow. CARDV provided shelter for a few days then made arrangements with Haven House for more permanent placement until we could find her a home. She was assisted with an ex-parte and was allowed to return to the home to retrieve several of her belongings such as pictures etc. Referrals were made and transport given to Mid-Missouri Legal Services where divorce proceedings were started. She was referred and transported to DFS for assistance with food stamps and to start the process for disability. Transport was given to seek housing and February 8, 2008 she was moved into her own apartment. Through our relocation grant we were able to help her with the necessary deposits and able to help her furnish the home. Her history of abuse dates back to early childhood and her road to recover will be a long one but while shopping she told her advocate with much excitement that she had never had a home of her own and that for the first time ever she felt that she had a chance to feel safe and how good she feels about the decision she and her soon to be ex-husband made several months ago to make Fulton their home. She wonders what her life would be like if she had not made that call to the CARDV crisis line. She thanked us for the respect she was treated with even when she was standing homeless looking like a bag lady on the side of the street. She could not believe the way the different agencies here coordinated services to help her through her dilemma.