Survivor Stories: Inez
Survivor Stories: Inez
Inez and her husband had been together for 8 years, and married for 4. The two met in high school and always had the same group of circle. Shortly after the birth of their son, her husband began using drugs. Over the years, she stopped recognizing the man who used to be her best friend.
Inez' husband became controlling and violent towards her. He would accuse her of planning to leave, cheating, and even talking bad about him to their son.
When the beginning of 2022 came around, Inez had one resolution: to get her and her son out of their unstable home.
One cool night in February, Inez' husband threw a plate of food at her in the kitchen, in front of their son. That night when he went to bed, she walked to her neighbors apartment and called SafeHaven's 24/7 hotline. She had saved it a couple of weeks ago - in case she ever needed it.
Inez spoke with an advocate who told her about her option to come to one of SafeHaven's anonymous shelter. Although she knew it wasn't safe yet to leave, it brought her comfort to know that a SafeHaven shelter was an option.
A couple of weeks later, her husband threatened to get violent with their son over a bad test grade. Inez remembered her new year's resolution and decided it was time to leave.
Inez and her son escaped her abusive husband in March. While she was there, she began the process of filing for divorce, and for full custody of her son. SafeHaven's legal team helped her navigate this process, at no charge to Inez.
Over the summer, Inez' son took part in Adventure Camp, and participated in field trips, outdoor activities, and so much more.
Seeing her kid live life worry-free for the first time in a long time was the fuel Inez used to work on her own healing.
Thanks to SafeHaven, she had the time and space to work with counselors and gain what her husband took from her. Her autonomy, her self-worth, and confidence.
Today, Inez is proud to have a place her and her son can call home thanks to SafeHaven's housing program. Inez has a place where she doesn't have to worry about her safety. Inez continues to take her son out on mini-field trips, and is proud to finally have the money she makes go into her own bank account. Inez is free and excited to show her son what a healthy home is.