From fear to safety: A mother and daughter’s journey toward healing

When a mother entered Esperanza United’s transitional housing program, she carried the weight of protecting her family. After fleeing an abusive relationship, she sought a new beginning for herself and her 14-year-old daughter. What she didn’t expect was to discover that her daughter, too, was experiencing teen dating violence. 

Through gentle, consistent advocacy, she began to understand that healing and safety are not linear – they are shared journeys. “While I was navigating my own experience,” she told us, “I realized my daughter was going through something similar.” In that moment of pain and revelation, she found comfort in knowing she was not alone. 

Esperanza United’s bilingual advocate stepped in, offering support, information, and clarity about safety options for both mother and daughter. Like many survivors, she faced overwhelming systems – multiple agencies, paperwork, and uncertainty about who to call for what. “Sometimes it’s a lot to keep up with,” she explained in Spanish. “One person is handling this, another is handling that, and I just get confused about who to call for what, so thank you for handling it all.” 

Our advocate stayed by her side, helping her navigate both housing and legal processes and ensuring her daughter’s safety was protected every step of the way. Together, they contacted the Sheriff’s Office to confirm the status of her daughter’s Order for Protection. When she learned that the order had been approved, the relief in her voice was immediate and profound – as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. 

This story reflects the heart of Esperanza United’s work: ensuring that no one has to navigate violence or trauma alone. Through culturally responsive, bilingual advocacy, we help families move from fear to empowerment, and from isolation to community. Every survivor’s journey is different, but with compassion, persistence, and support, each one moves closer to safety, healing, and hope.