Gianna* initially sought services from Safe from the Start (SFTS) while she was pregnant after experiencing an incident of physical aggression by her husband. Gianna experienced confusion and fear as this was an initial incident of abuse, and she was unsure about what would be best for her unborn child’s future. Gianna participated in weekly individual therapy during her pregnancy and was able to gain insight into:
intimate partner abuse
effects of domestic violence on children
increased ways of caring for herself physically and emotionally
She also processed cultural expectations as related to domestic violence. Gianna ultimately decided to stay in her marriage and completed therapy when her daughter Julissa* was born.
When Julissa was two years old, Gianna returned to SFTS and requested therapy as her husband was becoming verbally abusive again. She feared that her daughter was becoming increasingly clingy and fearful as a result. Julissa attempted to participate in dyadic-based therapy but struggled and refused to engage. As a result, a SFTS therapist began to work with Gianna individually to support and guide her through her child’s experiences and emotions along with her own.
Gianna made the decision to separate from her husband as the tension increased. Gianna continued to participate in individual therapy and was able to guide her daughter through her grief related to the separation and struggles with visitation. Gianna was able to increase her bond with her child. She also gained understanding into her child’s behaviors that otherwise seemed oppositional and extreme. In addition, Gianna was able to increase her ability to set healthy limits and boundaries with her ex-husband and was able to process her previous experiences in abusive relationships. Recently, Gianna completed services and felt confident in her ability to parent her child and offer her a healthy environment.
*Names changed to protect client identities.
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