Mental Health Latio in San Berdino California - EL CENTRO DE AMISTAD

"I was told no one would listen to me, now I know that there are people who actually do care…" states a mother, victim of domestic violence.

Thirty-six year old Latina female was unaware that she was a victim of domestic violence. She came from another country where domestic abuse, according to her, was accepted or at least not much of a great concern. She seemed to be very much aware of the red flags that may have prevented the abuse if she had found the proper help and resources. Months into her marriage, the client sensed she felt she was not treated well.  She stated her husband would constantly leave her alone in the house while he went out drinking with his friends. He was extremely jealous and threatened her if she looked at anyone else or tried to leave the house. He was verbally abusive and aggressive.  “I felt like a hostage in my own home. I didn’t have any family here and I didn’t know anyone. I couldn’t leave because I had nowhere to go…”

The verbal abuse soon turned into physical abuse. At one point he chased her with a knife and demanded her to do what he said. He had also physically abused their oldest son. He stated, “There is no where you can go or turn to, no one is going to listen to you or care…” Fortunately, she proved him wrong.

Her oldest son was receiving counseling services from El Centro de Amistad’s Children department. She asked her son’s therapist if there was any type of help for her since she didn’t have any money or insurance. She was then referred to a new program that particularly helped those with the same situation; being an immigrant, victim of domestic violence, not having a job, and no insurance.    

She was referred to EL Centro de Amistad’s Family Development Network (FDN) for therapy.  Along with the help and guidance of her therapist, she learned to gain the strength and knowledge that she was not alone and there is actually help. She learned to gain the courage to report her husband and file a restraining order and leave the marriage. And, through El Centro De Amistad’s resources and referral process, she was able to receive housing and provide for her two children.

She is now working at a local market, raising her children and living in her own apartment.  She and her two children appear to be much happier, relieved and grateful that they can do it on their own.   

 "Thanks to God, I found El Centro De Amistad. Now I know there are people who really do care…"