Frances

Content warning: physical abuse and trauma, weapon usage 

Frances was with her abuser for 18 years, and they share two children together. She describes his behavior as threatening and tortuous.

Frances worked and her partner did not. He would use this as a point of control over her, stating that if he wasn’t there to watch her children when she needed to use sick leave, she would lose her job. Frances had experienced homelessness before, and she was terrified at the possibility of losing her home again.

The abuse was so severe that her next-door neighbor called the police numerous times, but they eventually stopped calling due to the frequency of incidents. Five years ago, Frances decided that she did not want her son to turn out like her abuser, so she kicked her partner out. Unfortunately, he still had a key to the house and tried to break in through her back door. He shot his gun at the neighbors and later stole Frances’ car and totaled it. He ended up in jail, and when he was released, he sued Frances for parental time. Frances’ legal counsel referred her to Casa Myrna, where she was connected with advocate Amiee, who represented her in court. With Amiee’s help, Frances gained physical and legal custody of her children.

Despite this milestone, a physical reminder of the abuse remained: Frances’ back door was still broken after her abuser’s break-in attempt. Casa Myrna supporters provided her children’s Christmas presents that year, which meant that she could afford to replace her back door and have peace of mind.

Frances’ children are now safe and healthy, and she is grateful to celebrate five years free from abuse.