During Janessa's marriage, she experienced physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. Janessa knew that the way that her husband, Oscar, treated her was abusive but she wanted a family for her four children.
As tensions in the home continued to escalate, Janessa confided in her neighbors about what she had been experiencing. Her neighbors continued to check in on Janessa and discussed a safety plan if she was in danger.
A few weeks later, they heard screaming and the window of Janessa’s house being shattered by Oscar. They immediately knew to call the police. Oscar had fled the scene before the police arrived, but Janessa was connected to Human Options. She and her children found safety that night at our emergency shelter. Oscar returned to the home later that night looking for Janessa and was arrested.
After coming into the Emergency Shelter, Janessa met with Human Options’ Legal Advocacy Team. With the Legal Advocate's support, she was able to obtain a 5-year restraining order, full custody of her children, and file for divorce. Now fully protected, Janessa worked with her therapist to create a safety plan and her family was able to return home.
Janessa continues to work with her therapist and is on her journey to healing. She is forever grateful for her neighbors and Human Options for keeping her and her children safe at home.
