10 | WO MEN ’S C EN TER FO R ADVAN C EMEN T | 201 8 AN N UA L R E P ORT
CLIENT STORIES Jessica I now rely on myself, my strength, and my skills because the WCA helped me when I needed it most.
Trish is an overnight WCA Advocate. One night, she responded to a hospital call. Before entering the room, the hospital staff let her know that the patient was a victim of domestic violence and was badly bruised and swollen. Trish introduced herself to the patient, Jessica, and let her know that she was a WCA advocate. She would help answer any questions and provide any support Jessica may need presently and going forward. Jessica told Trish that her son, James, was staying with her sister but her sister’s house was already full. Jessica wasn’t sure where she could go, other than back to her partner. Jessica mentioned a desire to press charges and to file for divorce from her abusive husband. Trish found Jessica temporary housing and worked with WCA’s self-sufficiency team to apply for SNAP benefits and a long-term housing plan. Trish helped Jessica file a protection order and referred her to the WCA legal department to assist with her divorce. After assessing Jessica’s situation, the WCA legal department recommended that Jessica attend the monthly legal clinic to start her divorce paperwork. Through the legal clinic, Jessica was able to represent herself in divorce proceedings. For six months, Jessica attended the legal clinic to make sure she filed paperwork correctly and that she was on track to represent herself when the trial date came. Jessica successfully represented herself and won her divorce case. She did it all on her own with the legal guidance from the WCA and with emotional support from Trish, who was right behind her when the judge announced his decision. Jessica never thought she’d ever leave her husband or that she could afford a lawyer, let alone successfully represent herself in her divorce. She had never felt so empowered. After so many years without a voice, she finally found hers again. Jessica has continued working with Trish and the WCA to file custody paperwork. She plans to represent herself again with the help of WCA and her WCA Advocate, Trish.
