As a Family Case Manager, one of my recent cases involved working with a pregnant mother who disclosed being in an active domestic violence situation. She expressed that she did not feel safe at home and had significant concerns for her well-being. The client also shared a history of depression and anxiety, and at the time, she was using drugs and smoking cigarettes during her pregnancy.
During our conversation, I provided a supportive and non-judgmental space, validating her feelings while also encouraging immediate safety planning. I recommended that she call law enforcement to help retrieve her belongings and suggested contacting a local domestic violence shelter for transportation and support. Despite these recommendations, the client declined to involve the police or connect with the domestic violence shelter.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, I provided education on the negative effects of chronic stress, substance abuse, and exposure to domestic violence on both her health and the development of her unborn baby. I shared with her the environment she was living in was not safe or sustainable—not only for her, but also for the life growing inside her. I reminded her that if nothing changed, the future she wanted for herself, and her child would be at risk.
A couple weeks later, I was notified that the client had made the courageous decision to leave her abusive situation and had sought help at a local domestic violence shelter. I reached out to her, and during our conversation, she expressed heartfelt gratitude.
She said:
“Thank you for making me realize I had to leave my domestic violence situation and the harm I was doing to my unborn baby by smoking and living in constant stress, I want to fight for my baby, and that’s why I’m at a safe place now. I’m working with a case manager at the shelter, and I’m quitting smoking and using drugs. I’ve changed phone numbers, scheduled my prenatal appointments, and have contacted my insurance for transportation and other needs. Thank you for helping me realize that I needed to change—not just for this baby, but for my other children too. I want to better our life.”
The client’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassionate support and timely intervention. With continued encouragement and access to appropriate resources, she is now on a path toward healing, safety, and stability for herself and her children.
-Nidia Vidales, Family Case Manager
