Monica

Content warning: Verbal, physical, and emotional abuse; physical trauma; substance use

Monica lived with her partner for 13 years, and they had one child together. Her partner was verbally abusive and demanding, and she eventually became used to his constant put downs. She tolerated the abuse in part because she found it hard to leave financially. In time, it turned physical as well.

Monica’s partner would drink often, and she became afraid whenever he’d come home drunk. He was also emotionally abusive and cruel to their daughter while Monica was not at home, and he would threaten their daughter to keep silent about it.

In November 2020, Monica’s partner was upset because she wouldn’t help him with a loan. “He didn’t like hearing the word ‘no,’” she explained. He pushed her so hard that she banged her head and broke her wrist. “I could’ve been killed that day,” she stresses.  

Monica’s partner offered to take her to the hospital, but she called the police instead. She went to the emergency room, where doctors put a plate and ten screws in her hand. She was in excruciating pain like she’d never felt before; she also had to go to physical therapy after.

At the hospital, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) became involved and assigned Monica a social worker. She decided to prosecute her partner and worked closely with the District Attorney to make sure her voice was being heard throughout the process. 

One of Monica’s friends found out about her situation and offered to help. She knew Jessica, an advocate at Casa Myrna, and called her on Monica’s behalf. Jessica helped Monica apply for the Boston Housing Authority’s housing lottery, and Monica was able to get her own apartment.

After working with Jessica, Monica has gone from feeling depressed and anxious to feeling relieved, safe, and grateful. “I’m not the same person I was,” Monica reflects.