Breaking the cycle of abuse: A family’s chance at happiness

Joann’s husband had always been the jealous, controlling type; but over the years she had watched him shift from overbearing to truly dangerous. He kept both her and their three kids from going anywhere or seeing anyone. But what could she do?  She couldn’t afford to raise her children on her own, and no one she knew could offer them a place to live. Besides, she knew if her husband caught her trying to leave he would beat or even kill her – he had tried before – so she stayed.

Soon enough, Joann wasn’t the only one her husband was targeting with his abuse. He began getting increasingly aggressive with their children. She saw the fear in their eyes grow every day, awaiting the next time he took out his rage on them. She knew she had to take the risk and get her kids to safety.One day, while Joann’s husband was out running an errand, she quickly packed some necessities and she and her kids fled the home before her husband returned. Once on the road, it set in for Joann that she didn’t have a plan or anywhere to go. Already broken and hurt, her family was now also homeless. With no other options, she turned to an area homeless shelter.

When Joann’s co-worker found out about her situation, she told Joann about Children’s Bureau, Inc., a United Way-supported agency, and how they could help her family stay safe and get back on their feet. Desperate, Joann contacted the agency.

Right away, Children’s Bureau took action. They connected Joann with a case manager and provided her and her kids with crisis intervention services, vouchers for quality child care, therapy services and other basic needs. Her family was safe and, with the help of her case worker’s encouragement and positivity, Joann’s self-worth was improving. For the first time in years, she didn’t feel like giving up. 

“Without the program, I don’t know what I would do,” said Joann. “I could keep my life after leaving a horrible situation. I feel like I can handle anything. It helped give me strength and faith. Knowing there are resources to help me, it lifts stress off me.”

While the man who abused them is behind bars, Joann and her three children are thriving. The kids are doing well in school and are making many new friends. Joann is back on her feet, found a stable living environment for her family and is beginning to feel like the great mother she always knew she could be.

Because of the Children’s Bureau, United Way and you, Joann has broken the cycle of abuse and her family is able to live safe and happy lives. 

Note: United Way works to improve the lives of all Central Indiana residents by focusing our work in four key areas – Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs. Children’s Bureau, Inc. is a United Way-funded agency addressing one or more of these priorities by preserving families and protecting the future of Indiana's children.