When Tracy sought help from SHALVA, she was already divorced. She was on her path to freedom, but was still experiencing extreme emotional and technological abuse. Her ex-husband tracked her location and harassed her every day by sending countless emails and texts. He also continued to manipulate her by filing frivolous legal motions in family court, forcing her to spend time responding to the motions and adding to her legal bills.
Tracy longed to be free from the abuse, but she did not know how to deal with the physical and emotional toll this abusive behavior was having on her health. After seeing a SHALVA poster in the bathroom at her synagogue, she reached out through the helpline.
In those first counseling sessions with her therapist, Tracy learned how to set communication boundaries with her ex-husband. Over time, SHALVA was able to provide legal and financial assistance to Tracy to ease some of the burden and help to pay some of her mounting bills.
This did not end the abuse, but it helped Tracy find a bit of freedom and take back some control of her life. Tracy is continuing with her therapy and is working on self-care by trying to meditate and exercise every day. With her therapist’s help, she is also implementing practical techniques to keep healthy boundaries in place. She continues to make great progress in her healing and is looking forward to continuing her journey to freedom!
“This year on Passover as we tell the Exodus story, I will be reflecting on my own journey to freedom and the impact it has had on my family. SHALVA helped me to understand that no one has the right to control me and that I was not the cause of my husband’s manipulative behavior.”
SHALVA client