Hi There,
I recently heard from Kelley, Catholic Charities’ Program Director for Montgomery County Domestic Violence & Crime Victim Services. As you may know, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and I wanted to do my part and raise awareness around how domestic violence affects families in the communities we serve.
Kelley shared Mark's story with me, and I wanted to share his experience with you today:
Late one afternoon, we received a hotline call from Montgomery County's Family Court requesting assistance for a man in his 70's — Mark. Mark needed help filing a Stay Away Order against his wife of 40 years. She had used his credit cards without his knowledge and changed all marital assets to be in her name only. After hearing Mark's story, it was clear he had survived emotional, physical, and financial abuse.
We sent an advocate to court with Mark and the judge ordered his wife to leave their home. Mark agreed to come into our safe dwelling out of fear of retaliation from his wife or her family members. The home was, after all, in her name, and with Catholic Charities, Mark felt safe and supported.
Over the next several months we helped Mark attend his medical appointments, create a retirement plan, and find financial independence for the first time in over forty years. Eventually, we helped Mark to find safe, permanent housing and to retire as planned.
Like many of our programs, Montgomery County Domestic Violence & Crime Victim Services relies heavily on community support. I'd like to take this opportunity and invite you to learn more about our work and support your neighbors in need by clicking the buttons below.
Peace in your day,
Sr. Betsy Van Deusen, CSJ
Chief Executive Officer