Support Network: When there's nowhere else to go

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

When Karen’s new husband decided to move their family to the United States, Karen looked forward to a better life for herself and her four children.

Her husband promised he would care for the family, and that Karen (not her real name) could attend school once they had settled down. Karen had never been to the U.S. and didn’t know the culture or language, so she trusted her husband to keep his promises.

Once in the country however, the picture changed dramatically. Her husband began drinking heavily and became physically abusive towards Karen. He routinely hit, pushed and choked her. He prevented her from speaking to anyone that might have helped, and canceled her insurance so she couldn’t seek medical care.

When Karen tried to defend herself, he threatened to have her deported and to keep her children with him. Ignorant of her rights under the legal system, she was helpless against her husband.

Karen was a victim of domestic violence — a crime that, legally speaking, covers any abuse committed against a spouse, former spouse, cohabitant, anyone with whom the perpetrator has had a child, or anyone with whom they have a romantic relationship.

Fortunately for women like Karen, there is help. For the past 30 years, the Support Network for Battered Women has provided services to women in Santa Clara County who need help removing themselves from abusive situations. The Support Network is a longtime recipient of the Voice’s Holiday Fund drive, which raises money for seven charitable organizations serving Mountain View residents.

“Domestic violence cuts across every socioeconomic, diverse group,” explained Chata Alfaro, executive director of the Support Network. Women whose partners engage in physical, emotional or psychological abuse often need help getting themselves and their children back on their feet and breaking the cycle of abuse, she said.

Such women should call the Support Network’s 24-hour “help line” to be put in touch with a counselor (bilingual services are available). The counselor will then try to evaluate the situation and help the victim decide her best course of action.

“We are very careful that we are not the authority in her life, she is,” said Denise Henderson, director of client services, “Our responsibility is to offer resources and support that can help her take whatever steps she needs to in her life.”

In extreme cases, such steps can include use of the Support Network’s “Safe Shelter Program,” which offers emergency housing for women and children who have nowhere else to go. Last year, 245 women and children found a safe haven at the shelter.

In 2006 alone, the Sunnyvale-based organization handled 5,434 crisis calls and assisted 795 clients with a variety of needs.

The steps also usually involve counseling for the abused women and their children. Counselors help the women and their children cope with the trauma of having lived in an abusive home.

Recently, the Support Network created its La Familia program to address issues of domestic abuse in the Latino community. Through it, legal advocates help navigate the paperwork involved in filing restraining orders and divorce proceedings. Weekly support groups and safety planners provide women with resources in their journey toward independence.

Karen has been coming to counseling sessions at the Support Network’s office in Sunnyvale for the past two years. The organization has helped her find her own apartment where she now lives with her children. She works two jobs, and has finally achieved her dream of furthering her own education. This year, for the first time ever, she is treating herself to a vacation at the beach.

INFORMATION:

For more on the Support Network for Battered Women, call (408) 541-6100 or visit www.snbw.org. The Support Network’s 24-hour help line is (800) 572-2782.