California State Gov and Advocacy Orgs Are Empowering Domestic Abuse Survivors on Path to Healing

Edward Henderson | California Black MediaCalifornia native Sheilah Kimble says she was far from home, living in Buffalo, NY, when her partner became physically and verbally abusive.“There were several occasions when I reached out to different agencies to assist me with my situation,” remembers Kimble, who is from South Los Angeles County. “I felt nobody wanted to help. Nobody gave me advice because I was from a marginalized community. I was not aware of any resources, so I thought they were limited.”Kimble says her 5-month-old daughter would sometimes witness the abuse and hide behind her crib, cowering in fear.Despite the harm to her, her daughter and son, it was hard for Kimble to gain the strength to leave.“They call that trauma-bonding. It’s unhealthy,” said Kimble.As the violence in her home escalated, law enforcement got involved and social services threatened to take her son away.“A social worker would come by and ask certain questions. Being in an abusive relationship, you pretty much are controlled and coached. So, I was afraid to say certain things,” Kimble continued.Eventually, the social worker helped Kimble find a shelter and connected her with the resources she needed to get back to her family in California.Like Kimble,...