Often, domestic violence occurs in the home at the same time as child abuse. When one parent is the abuser and the other parent is being abused, the children are left with no protection and are vulnerable to significant amounts of abuse. The home is supposed to be a safe place, but for victims of domestic violence and child abuse, home can be a nightmare.
Two young girls, “Kate” and “Elsa,” visited Voices Carry following an extreme case of violence at home at the hands of their father. Because their mother, Mary, was also being abused by him, the three of them lived in a constant state of fear. Their father was extremely controlling, forcing the three of them to stay in one room of the house and extensively limiting their exposure to the outside world. Mary bravely escaped with the two girls. Due to the father’s controlling nature, Mary had no money of her own and had no family nearby with whom she could stay. The three lived in a women’s shelter for some time as they began to plan out their next steps.
When Kate and Elsa visited Voices Carry for a forensic interview, they showed many signs of trauma and extreme isolation. Although Mary, Kate, and Elsa had experienced so much pain, the three have the strength and courage and survive. They now live with Mary’s sister and are on the road to recovery and justice.
