Sheila's Story* from The Network/La Red.

Sheila, a 50 year-old transgender woman of color was experiencing harassment and stalking from her abusive ex-partner. Sheila, a lesbian, who had been with her partner for 7 years, was in the relationship for 4 years before she started transitioning.

She called The Network/La Red seeking support around filing for a restraining order.  During our initial conversations Sheila disclosed experiencing physical, emotional, sexual and identity abuse as well as harassment and stalking after breaking off the relationship.

She shared that “My partner had always been a bit jealous and controlling, but that got worse as I started to transition.” Sheila left her partner  after a fight in which her partner had strangled her.

TNLR  helped Sheila connect to a LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) Domestic Violence attorney who would help her with the restraining order process.

At the hearing, Sheila was denied the restraining order. The judge told her that she was too big to be afraid of anyone. Sheila has not been able to get an appeal approved and continues to experience harassment and stalking from her ex-partner.

 *This story is a composite meant to reveal a survivor's journey while also respecting privacy. 

Massachusetts was a participant in three national studies in 2011.  These three independent reports singularly and collectively validate the effectiveness of sexual and domestic violence services. The Commonwealth should feel quite confident that public as well as private funds are well spent. We are very proud to share this evidence that our members are saving and changing lives and making a difference every day.  Read more...