Read more client narrative success stories on our blog.
A longtime client met with an advocate to file for a protective order in the past, but the order was about to expire. Their abuser had generally left them alone since the order was granted, but they learned through mutual friends that the abuser was looking for them. Thankfully, we were able to file for a motion to extend the order over the phone, and the motion was granted without my client ever needing to go back to the courthouse. Depending on the county that's not always an option, but I am so happy that we were able to help keep my client safe while meeting their needs. There's nothing easy about leaving a violent relationship. Having an advocate can help things like this feel rather simple in some cases which makes a world of difference.

Victim Advocate -  Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
This past week, I answered a crisis call from a secondary victim calling on behalf of their child, who was a victim of sexual abuse. The secondary victim was very panicked and felt very anxious because the abuser was going to be released from jail soon. The abuser had been incarcerated for a long time and the family felt that there was still a lot of unaddressed tension that might cause the abuser to lash out. I met with the victims at our office and helped them file a protection order. The protection order was granted ex parte for 2 years, with all the secondary victims included. The clients felt a weight lifted off their shoulders knowing that every member of the household would be protected, even after the abuser was released from jail.

​Victim Advocate -Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I met with a client for a protective order appointment and I could tell they were very nervous. They felt as though they were overreacting, which is a normal or common feeling. I helped the victim understand that their feelings were justified. As we went through the steps for filing a protective order, my client was unaware of the classifications of domestic violence and was unsure if they were a victim. I further educated them on the definition of domestic violence, types of abuse, and tools that help us understand patterns of violence. My client was becoming more comfortable as we finished the petition. They were asking more questions. Then they explained, they felt much more relaxed and supported after talking with me. As the meeting went on, we filled out a referral to Indiana Legal Services and completed a safety plan. My client left the meeting feeling more confident and knowledgeable about what they had gone through.
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Victim Advocate -Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I received a crisis call from a victim of domestic violence, as well as stalking. Their abuser was very physically and verbally abusive. They were scared for their overall safety on a daily basis, simply because their abuser would track their location through their phone every day. As the victim had said to me, there was no escape from this daily reality. I was able to provide several referrals throughout the community, as well as our services, of which the victim was extremely grateful for. They also had a dog, which would need fostering services, of which we would have been able to place their dog in a loving, safe home while they were able to get back on their feet again. The victim was happy that I was there to listen to their story and provide assistance in any way that I was able to.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I received a phone call from a SANE Nurse in regards to a victim of sexual assault. When I arrived, I was able to provide some information about Beacon of Hope and the services we offer. The victim was rather timid and did not want to talk much. They were very scared about how they were going to move on from this entire experience, but stated they were thankful that I was there to listen and answer their questions during this traumatic experience. I provided the victim and their family with my contact information and reassured them that they were able to reach out to me if they had any questions about filing a police report or obtaining a Protective Order.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
This week I met with a client who was unsure they had experienced domestic violence. While their spouse never physically hurt them, they did control their contact with others, their finances, where they lived, and belittle them often. After several years of marriage, my client was alone, financially dependent on their spouse, and struggling with anxiety. I first validated my client’s experience and educated them on the power and control present in domestic violence. Physical violence does not need to be present for domestic violence to be occurring. My client felt relieved to know that they were not “crazy” to be feeling controlled and powerless. Together we drafted a safety plan to help the client remove themselves from their abuser’s control.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I met with a client in the emergency room at local hospital. Upon my arrival, the client continuously thanked me for being there and willing to help in their time of need. The client expressed how they had not been able to find many community resources, and so they were happy to hear that an advocate would be reaching out to discuss services. I gave the client referrals for support groups, which was their main concern at the time. I was happy to help and felt that my presence really made a difference in allowing the client to feel more at ease and get some sense of relief.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I received a call from a law enforcement officer who stated there was a victim of Domestic Violence at the police station, who was requesting an advocate to speak with and provide some emotional support as they filed a police report. The victim was having an extremely difficult time, as their children were with them and had witnessed the abuse the victim had endured in recent years. As I was speaking with the victim, they started to cry from all the stress they were enduring and asked if they could give me a hug, just for being an ear to listen to as they spoke about their abusive situation. I was able to provide the victim with a gas gift card, as well, of which they were extremely grateful for.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
This week I accompanied my client to a meeting at a local legal advocacy nonprofit to discuss representation for both immigration and a protective order hearing. The nonprofit secured an interpreter over the phone and we went into detail of the client’s complex case and emerging needs. The client will now be receiving free legal services to obtain a VAWA (Violence against Women Act) Visa since they are a victim of domestic violence. Another attorney will join my client at their upcoming protective order hearing to ensure their voice is heard and to try to have the abuser surrender their firearms since they were used during the violent incidents. My client was very grateful for all the help they have been receiving and said yesterday that this was the best birthday gift they could receive.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
This week my client called in a panic because their abuser contacted them and had found out the exact address of where they had moved – and my client had only signed the lease 2 days prior. Understandably they were very afraid and concerned for their safety – not to mention the added stress of possibly having to move again after leaving their abuser. I had recently completed an 8-hour training on stalking and I felt much more equipped to ask the right kind of questions, take their concerns seriously, and help the client take steps to stay safe. We contacted an officer who came to our office, so my client could file a report. The experience with the officer was very positive – he listened and validated my client’s concerns. Afterwards we created a stalking-specific safety plan and gave a lot of recommendations on remaining vigilant.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I met with a victim of sexual assault shortly after they filed a police report. We completed a protective order and began discussing other concerns the victim had. They were very overwhelmed and had been dealing with the trauma on their own. This trauma affected their personal and professional life extensively. I informed the victim of counseling options and they were grateful to learn that Beacon of Hope could address counseling needs – at no cost. Within the week, the protective order was granted ex parte for two years. Providing resources and assistance can make a huge difference for a victim that is feeling lost and confused.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I completed a protective order and safety plan for a victim of both domestic violence and sexual assault. We also talked through their needs and made a plan for addressing those needs. I provided the victim with information for counseling at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center along with referrals for legal assistance. By the end of the meeting the victim’s protective order was submitted, they were prepared with a safety plan, and they had the resources they needed to move forward. Providing comprehensive services is vital in assisting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Before the meeting the victim was scattered and overwhelmed, but within hours the victim felt a sense of relief and knew they had the tools to make a positive change in their life.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I received an email from a client who was in crisis. The client did not have a safe place to stay, food, or access to transportation. I provided multiple shelter referrals and we did some safety planning over the phone. Luckily, the client was able to find someone to stay with at a location that was unknown to their abuser. The client was able to get transportation to our agency a few days later and we provided the client with bus passes, food, clothing, and personal hygiene donations. The client was extremely grateful for the services that we had been able to provide and finally felt a sense of relief and safety for the first time in weeks.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
We received a call from a local police department requesting an advocate. They needed an advocate to talk to a victim that had recently reported a sexual assault. The victim was visibly upset when I arrived. I briefly explained my role and we started talking. The victim was facing ongoing harassment (messages, calls, etc.) after the sexual assault. This ongoing harassment made the victim feel like they lost everything. We talked about resources at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center and the options available. Then we discussed the criminal justice process and that alone helped the victim feel some sort of relief. Before this conversation, the victim did not know they could be informed through criminal proceedings or even what could happen as a result of criminal charges. Education on victims’ rights and role in the criminal justice process is a huge part of what an advocate can offer.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
This week we received a call from someone wanting to donate household items, they were moving out of state and heard about our organization from a friend. Coincidentally we have a client who had recently lost most of their possessions due to domestic violence and was in a new apartment with only a blowup mattress. We were able to connect and arrange the exchange and I was privileged to take the items to the client’s new apartment. The client was extremely grateful that a group of kind-hearted individuals were able to help them in time of desperate need. The most heartfelt moment was when the donor gave our client their wedding shoes and told our client: “These pair of shoes have brought miracles in my life and I want to give these to you as they will bring miracles in the next chapter of your life.” Moments like these make all the hard work of an advocate worth it!  

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I received a police report from one of our law enforcement partners. By having a phone conversation with the victim, they were extremely terrified because they knew their abuser was unpredictable and could show up at any time. Given their fear, I was able to schedule a meeting with the victim to file a protective order. After a couple days, the protective order had been granted. I called the victim again to report the good news. The victim was filled with joy and relief and thanked me for helping them in their time of desperate need.

​Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
We needed a foster family for three dogs after their owner’s abuser was arrested for domestic violence. We were able to immediately connect with a new foster who had expressed interest in becoming a foster at a training we did last month. The client had expressed how important it was that all three dogs go to the same foster home, and the new foster was willing to take all three dogs. I arranged a time to meet with the foster to conduct a home visit shortly afterwards and the foster was immediately able to take the dogs. We are grateful for the partnerships we have within the community as those partners have led to potential donors, volunteers and fosters for our Foster Pet Program.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I accompanied a victim of sexual assault to a law enforcement interview. This was a follow up interview with a detective after a police report was made. The victim was extremely nervous to be working with a detective because they feared their assailant was going to be angry if they found out a report was made. The detective spent time building rapport with the victim and the interview went well. Afterwards the victim thanked me for being there with them. Before I left, we discussed community resources and information for counseling. I was so happy to see the victim’s relief and overall change in behavior after reporting to the police.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A victim of domestic violence experienced abuse for years and was pursuing justice through the legal system. They came in for an appointment to talk about what to expect going forward, and to learn about community resources. They were having trouble coming to terms with the abuse they had endured for years, and often spoke of feeling crazy. I showed them the Power and Control Wheel and pointed out the manipulative means that abusers tend to use in their relationships. I told them that it was perfectly reasonable to feel confused about the abuse, even in reality they knew it had happened, but that I knew they weren’t crazy. I told them that most of us would feel confused when someone we love has played mind games with us for so long, but that I was their advocate and I was here to help them figure things out. I could tell that it was the first time they had been validated. The client left with a list of resources and the knowledge that the advocates at Beacon of Hope Crisis Center had their back. Though the process they’re going through isn’t over, they know they’re not going through it alone.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A client of mine had been with their abuser for over 10 years, and now that they were ready to leave they weren’t sure where to start. I helped my client file for a Protective Order to protect themselves and their kids as well as helped them with a safety plan. After being with someone for that long it can be extremely overwhelming to get started on your own again. Thankfully, we don’t only offer services that provide immediate protection, but we can also help figure out the logistics of separating from the abuser. My client left the appointment feeling like they had a handle on what to do next, and how to go about separating their lives moving forward. Safety is obviously a large part of leaving an abuser, but so is empowerment. I’m so glad I was able to help my client see how capable they are of living on their own.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A client of Beacon of Hope Crisis Center came in to file a Protective Order with an advocate, but when they got here they started to have second thoughts. The Protective Order was to be against a family member, and the client was wary of perpetuating family drama at the risk of putting themselves in danger. Echo, our therapy dog, was requested to come into the meeting. As soon as Echo entered the meeting room the client instantly perked up. He sat with his head on the client’s lap as they pet him and voiced their thought process about the Protective Order. Ultimately, the client decided to go ahead and submit the Order for Protection. I’m so glad that Echo, through helping the client stay calm, could help them make a choice that aided in their own safety.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A victim of domestic violence has been working with Beacon of Hope Crisis Center for several months after fleeing a long abusive marriage. They had gone through so much personal growth and change during the healing process that they wanted to pursue a career change, but they weren’t sure how to get started. We were able to help them draft and edit their cover letters, as well as editing their resume. After a few days of talking, emailing, and meeting, my client feels confident enough in her resume and cover letter’s presentation to pursue her newly found passion. I’m so glad that we were able to help them not only feel better about re-entering the work force, but also to help them feel prepared to pursue their dream job.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A client I worked with had always subscribed to the idea that you handle your family business in private, and don’t involve the authorities. However, when they had to call the police because their partner assaulted them, they weren’t left with any other options. I received the police report and reached out, and they had lots of questions about what to expect and what would happen next. I also suggested it may be a good idea to file for a Protective Order and the client agreed. They came in to file the Protective Order and the whole process only took about an hour and a half, and their petition was granted for two years. They left their appointment feeling reassured that they had made the right decision to call the police, and now will be protected for two years with the Protective Order. I’m so glad I was able to help them navigate the system and provide some peace of mind.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
We Serve Everyone
I received a phone call from one of our law enforcement officers where they were seeking assistance on safety for a victim. The victim would not disclose to the officer any abuse, but the environment of the home said otherwise. The officer wanted to know how we could be of assistance as the victim did not have any communication to call 911 if need be. I told the officer that we had 911 phones that we could provide to them for the victim. The officer was delighted to hear that and said that he would stop by to pick it.

Shortly after our conversation, the officer stopped by to pick up the phone. I was able to provide the officer with more 911 phones for future incidents like this. After talking more about the victim’s safety and the officer learning that we could assist on scene as long as the abuser was not there, the officer asked if I would go with them to the victim’s home to go over a protective order and what domestic violence is. I was able to offer that assistance where I went over what a PO is with the victim and the cycle of domestic violence and what domestic violence is.

The victim thanked me for explaining things and providing the 911 phone. The victim seemed more at ease knowing that the officer went above and beyond to ensure safety and that an agency like ours exist. The victim was provided my contact information for when the victim is ready to disclose and if the victim needed anything else.

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A couple days after working with a victim of domestic violence on filing a protective order against their abuser, I saw the protective order was granted. The victim was so relieved to hear the good news and felt a weight had been lifted. They had completed the steps we discussed in our last meeting regarding safety planning as well. Seeing the protective order granted helped them feel a sense of security and support after that had been taken from them.

Victim Advocate, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I was on a crisis call with a victim of domestic violence seeking assistance. The victim could not get their abuser to leave the home, even though the abuser was not on the lease. I provided the victim with information about a protective order, but they were hesitant to get the courts involved. A few days later, the victim called back ready to file a protective order and we set a time to meet. Within 24 hours of the protective order being submitted, it was granted ex parte for 2 years. The victim was given sole custody of the dog they shared, sole possession of the home and the abuser was evicted. The victim was relieved and stated they had felt much safer as they could finally come into their own home and feel safe again.

Victim Advocate, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
A victim I have been working with for a couple of months, recently moved into a safe home with their two children. The victim had some furniture but needed a bed for their teenager. With the help of interns, we were able to find a bed that fit their needs and transport it to the home. Additionally, we were able to provide other necessities such as clothes, crisis bundles, bus passes and a gift card for groceries. The victim was excited and overwhelmed with happiness for the support they received from Beacon of Hope.

Victim Advocate, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
End Family Violence
I received a call from a client who comes from a marginalized victim population in which admitting to domestic violence victimization is extremely taboo.  Though this client could barely muster the courage to describe their situation as “abuse,” as they told me their story it became clear that they were a victim of financial, verbal, emotional, and physical abuse.  The client recognized the need to protect themselves and their family from their abuser, so we set up a time to meet for Protective Order filing assistance later that same day.

The process of filling out the paper work was an emotionally turbulent one for the victim.  Not only was it difficult to admit to the abuse and to seek help for a problem their culture tells them they shouldn’t even acknowledge, but the fact is they still cared deeply for their abuser, and were grieving as though for the loss of a loved one.  I supported them as best I could, giving them privacy to cry when they needed it, and validation and comfort when appropriate.  It was a difficult process, but after two hours of re-living the abuse and filling out the paperwork that made their “victim” status so shockingly real to them, the victim took a deep breath, stood up, and for the first time, smiled.  Before walking out the door they looked me in the eye, relief written across their face and commented, “Thank you. Honestly, I didn’t think anyone would be willing to help me.”

Victim Advocate - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
My client has been in desperate need for legal advocacy due to a simultaneous divorce and protective order hearing. The client was concerned that if they did not have a lawyer, then their abuser would get full custody of their dog. To my client, the dog symbolized stability and it was a primary motivator for not returning to the abusive relationship in order to protect the dog. We were able to collaborate as a team and connect the client to a pro-bono attorney in time for my client’s hearing. The client was overjoyed to know they would have someone advocating on their behalf in front of a judge.

Victim Advocate, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I received a call from a victim who had fled domestic violence earlier that morning. They had no transportation, money, or shelter. Our office was close by so the victim came in to get referrals for housing. When they arrived, I provided them with emotional support as they called shelters. The victim was able to find a shelter and transportation with the help of Beacon of Hope. They also received bus passes, a gift card for groceries, and a crisis bundle. The victim was grateful for our assistance and a chance to start a new life free from the grip of domestic violence.

Victim Advocate, Beacon of Hope Crisis Center