Having to rebuild her life from the ground up, Whitney found herself in a strange new city with strange new people, not knowing where to begin (name changed for privacy purposes).

“I was anxious and unfamiliar with my surroundings,” she states, describing the time when she landed in Omaha after leaving an abusive relationship.

Whitney needed to leave. She was experiencing intimate partner violence and saw how it was negatively affecting her child. As her state did not have many resources for people in her situation, her case worker sent her to Omaha, Nebraska to find affordable housing. She remained at a shelter for some time before being connected to Hannah Olafson, a Family Support Specialist at the Child Saving Institute (CSI).

Whitney quickly became a client at the Child Saving Institute through our domestic violence recovery and support services. The Family Empowerment Program (FEP) at CSI started in 2020 with the express purpose of assisting and supporting survivors of domestic violence. With October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month, it is more important than ever to educate the community on the dynamics of abusive relationships. According to the Women’s Fund of Omaha, more than 4,000 survivors of domestic violence are served every year in Douglas County alone. Whitney was no exception.

Hannah approached Whitney with no expectations.

 

“She had no judgement; she was supportive of me. She is just so dependable and I can always count on her.”

Through the Family Empowerment Program, Hannah provided 1:1 specialized support that included finding community resources, emotional support and education on the dynamics of abusive relationships. From helping Whitney get a new apartment to being a shoulder to lean on during difficult moments, Hannah always approached Whitney with warmth and unconditional support.

The Family Support Program goes beyond offering support to parents in need. In addition to Hannah’s support to Whitney, Whitney’s son also began receiving 1:1 support from a fellow Family Support Specialist, Loganne Ditter.

The road to success was not always an easy one. Whitney reconnected with her abuser. Hannah had to make a difficult decision to terminate services after Whitney requested that her abuser attend the support sessions. Whitney’s abuser did not appreciate Hannah or the support she provided, so Whitney decided to leave the FEP program for a short period of time.

This phenomenon is not unusual. Domestic violence survivors will return to their abuser around 6 times on average, according to DomesticShelters.org. This manipulative dynamic is purposeful on the part of the abuser. Most often, abusers tend to hold the resources and support that a victim needs, especially if they share a child, making the victim feel the need to return to their abuser. Often, the victim is also coerced to return to the relationship through fear and intimidation.

Fortunately, not all was lost. “Hannah told me, ‘If you ever want to come back, just know that I am here’”. As Whitney states, Hannah welcomed her with open arms when she left her abuser for good. “I’m so glad to see somebody who did what they’re supposed to do,” Whitney says. “She is very good and very trustworthy.”

 

“She walked me through every step. She just stuck with me throughout this journey. It has been the same with her ever since.”

Whitney was later enrolled in The Women’s Empowerment Group; a service provided in the FEP. This 10-week, curriculum-based group educates mothers on the dynamics of abuse, the power and control wheel, safety planning, and raising children during or post-abuse. Whitney also found it to be a space to connect with other survivors of domestic violence. There, she met a good friend who remains as an integral part of Whitney’s support system.

Whitney also appreciated being educated on the nature of abusive relationships. After leaving six abusive marriages and experiencing human trafficking, Whitney felt that something was wrong with her. However, the fault of experiencing abuse never falls on the victim. Often, abusers are tactful with manipulating survivors, and resources for survivors of domestic violence are often scarce. Utilizing trauma-informed and evidence-based practices, both the 1:1 support services and the Women’s Empowerment Group offered Whitney the space to not only understand the intricate nature of abusive dynamics, but the space to feel loved and supported. “I don’t think I’ll go through it again, I know what to look out for now and I know that there is help available.”

 

“It was like going from hell to heaven at CSI.”

“It feels very empowering to know that I can depend on Hannah and that she can help me without judgement. To have someone to walk with me on this journey means so much.”

For many survivors of domestic violence, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel, especially when amid the abuse. Despite the daunting statistics on domestic violence, it is important to remember that there is a way out. Whitney herself experienced several hardships before she was able to find success.

“I’ve had to start over several times, but it was always worth it. There’s nothing more worth it than being safe. It is possible to get through it on your own. There are places that can help support you and help you get to the life that you want.” As Whitney reminds us,

 

“You are worthy, and you deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.”

Whitney felt empowered to enroll in a local college and to pursue the career of her dreams. With Whitney’s hard work, she is expected to graduate in 2026. Additionally, with Hannah’s support, Whitney has been able to obtain a driver’s license and a stable housing situation.

“I continue to rebuild my life. I came so far from being homeless with nothing. Now, I have an apartment and I’m in school. I am working on my degree, and I want do something in human services, like what Hannah does. I will remember these things some day when I’m in my career and I’m dealing with a hard situation, but I will know what I need, and it will empower me.”

 

“This is honestly the first time I’m enjoying my life. I’m actually doing something that I enjoy.”

If you or a loved one has found themselves in a situation similar to Whitney’s, Child Saving Institute’s Family Empowerment Program is currently accepting clients for both 1:1 support sessions and group sessions. Click the button below to apply.

 

“I know one thing that will not be in my future, and that is someone abusing me and my son. There is a life outside of that, and it feels really good.”