How CASA Marion Helped Jennifer and Her Son

Jennifer was late to work again, it took forever to find her long-sleeved turtleneck.

When she finally arrived at her desk, Jennifer’s boss noticed her odd attire for a hot day in Ocala and called her into his office.

“Jennifer, you’ve been late to work quite a bit lately, and I’m worried about you. Do you feel safe at home? Is there something I can do to help you?”

Jennifer felt the heat rush to her neck and was glad the turtleneck was covering more than just the bruises from her husband’s outrage last night. Feeling ashamed, embarrassed, and alone, she blurted out she was sorry for being late, and that she was fine.

Jennifer’s boss slid a card across her desk and said, “I heard about a new organization in town, CASA Marion. They have a great reputation for helping people in difficult situations. I thought you might like their card if you’d ever want to talk.”

Jennifer simply didn’t know what to do. She was terrified that if she called this new organization, CASA Marion, or even law enforcement, her husband would find a way to punish her even more. She felt paralyzed not knowing what steps to take. But the next night, 5-year-old Ben saw the whole incident and ran crying to the neighbor’s house begging them to help his mom.

The neighbors had suspected something was wrong at the house next door, and Ben’s heartbreaking story confirmed their fears. They immediately called the Marion County Sheriff’s Department who responded on scene. The officers arrested Jennifer’s husband and told Jennifer about a new agency in town that specialized in helping survivors of domestic violence: CASA Marion. This time Jennifer knew she needed to call.

$500

Can provide a week of peace for a parent and child in CASA Marion’s shelter

$250

Can provide a week of meals for a survivor in CASA Marion’s shelter

$100

Can help provide support group sessions for survivors

$100

Can help provide safety planning to keep survivors and their children protected

Jennifer called CASA Marion’s 24/7 hotline. A kind and supportive advocate helped her understand she wasn’t alone, that in fact, domestic violence is one of the most frequent calls to law enforcement in Marion County, and 1 in 3 women across the US experience domestic violence. The advocate helped Jennifer create a personalized safety plan and told her about the confidential, free, and diverse services offered by CASA Marion, including emergency shelter, legal assistance to secure a restraining order, housing support, and so much more.

Jennifer finally felt that she wasn’t alone. CASA Marion’s partner collaboration and resources made her feel like she had an entire community of support behind her. The next day, Jennifer and Ben moved into CASA Marion’s shelter. They have begun to heal with the help of supportive staff and services. An attorney helped Jennifer secure an Injunction for Protection, and they are currently working to secure housing assistance when they move out of the shelter.

Unfortunately, Ben and Jennifer’s experience of abuse is not unique. At least one in 15 children is exposed to intimate partner violence each year.

The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when they decide to leave. In fact, women in abusive relationships are about 500 times more at risk for homicide once they escape.

You can help change that.

With your support, families can complete safety planning faster, allowing them to get to safety quicker.

With your support, children like Ben will learn the tools they need to foster healthy relationships through CASA Marion’s prevention programs.

And with your support, survivors like Jennifer and Ben will feel safe and supported during the scariest time in their lives.

Living in fear doesn’t have to be the reality for Marion County’s most vulnerable residents. Can we count on you to stand up to silence and change the world for those experiencing trauma? You have the power to help protect them. It’s through your donation that the next generation can lead healthier, safer lives.

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