Turning Pain into Passion: How Theresa Empowers Domestic Violence Survivors
Every October, OneEighty and the nation recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month — a month dedicated to bringing awareness about domestic violence and supporting survivors within our community.
Theresa, a OneEighty Shelter Support Specialist for the past eight years, shared her personal motivations for working with domestic violence victims and survivors. Through her we gained a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards associated with this vital work, as well as the essential qualities and knowledge required to support individuals in crisis.
From Pain To Passion
“I was drawn to working with survivors after witnessing the experience of a very close college friend of mine who was sexually assaulted. As her friend, I felt her pain and went on to volunteer with a Ride Program that provided rides to students who did not feel safe walking across campus. Later I moved to Colorado, where I chose to serve as a Sexual Assault Advocate for five years,” she shared.
Common Challenges
According to Theresa, the feelings of fear, shame and guilt that many survivors of domestic violence/sexual assault or homelessness face present some of the most common challenges.
“I have seen survivors who are very dependent on their abusers and are convinced they can’t succeed without them. I have witnessed women fearful to bring their children into a shelter environment because they falsely believe they could lose custody of their children,” she shared. “I work to rebuild their trust by encouraging them to be in touch with their bodies to feel what safe and unsafe feels like. I also encourage clients to express themselves without fear of judgement, and I support clients in pursuing therapy and/or treatment on their journey.”
Stories Of Success
“Most recently, a woman who was a domestic violence victim came in with her two children,” Theresa recalled. “Her abuser did not allow her to work or even to venture outside of her house without him. She had, however, been able to take online classes in her home and had earned a certification as a pharmacy technician.
Agency Partneships Make All The Difference
While she was at the shelter, she began working at a local pharmacy. With the assistance of the Housing Department at OneEighty, she was placed in the Rapid Rehousing Program which enabled her to find a three-bedroom apartment.
Next, OneEighty’s partnership with Care and Share, a local non-profit that reaches out with love to those who, for whatever reason, have been marginalized and need help setting up their new homes with furniture and household goods, stepped in to make the apartment her home. But it didn’t end there. Another partnership with the Caring Closet Program provided enough clothing for the children to get them through the school year.
“I am so fortunate to work alongside these women and witness their strength and resilience as they work to change their lives,” Theresa concluded.
OneEighty: A Safe Place, A Source of Hope, and A New Direction
Domestic violence hotlines are a lifeline for victims in danger, providing support, information, safety planning, and resources. The OneEighty 24-Hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotline (800-686-1122) serves an average of 59 callers per month.
OneEighty is the primary service provider in the area for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and sexual assault, including a domestic violence shelter in Wooster, professional mental health counseling for adults and children who are victims and survivors of domestic violence, and victim advocacy services. The main office is located at 104 Spink Street in Wooster. Stop in or call during regular business hours M – F from 8 am – 5 pm to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional or victim advocate at 330-264-8498.