Before coming to Human Options, fifteen-year-old Marisol’s life was marked by fear and uncertainty. What became clear through conversations and a danger assessment conducted by Human Options’ legal advocate was the extreme level of abuse she had endured. The violence had escalated over the past year. Marisol had been physically assaulted while pregnant, strangled, isolated from her daily life, and repeatedly threatened by her partner. She feared for her life and believed her abuser was capable of killing her.
Marisol’s path to safety began when she attended a workshop called Love Shouldn’t Hurt, hosted by Human Options Prevention Team and community partner Fristers. After the session, she quietly approached the Prevention Educator in the hallway, asking if there was help for someone in her situation. Her courage in that moment sparked the beginning of her journey. She shared that she had a restraining order against her child’s father, but the harassment hadn’t stopped. He had broken into her home, stolen her phone, and continued to contact her, leaving her feeling unsafe. She had taken protective measures, like reinforcing her window with wood, but knew it wasn’t enough. She was scared and needed legal help and more importantly, a path out.
Marisol was encouraged to reach out to the Human Options hotline. A few days later, she called. After a brave first step, she and her child were approved for emergency shelter. Although transportation was a challenge, Marisol found a way. One late evening, she entered shelter, carrying not only her belongings but also the hopes of a safer future.
Since then, Marisol has engaged in counseling, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and family stabilization services. With support from the team, she’s been able to focus on healing and begin rebuilding her life. While safety remains her top priority, she has expressed feeling more secure now and is committed to creating a safe and stable environment for her child. Marisol’s resilience continues to shine. She is taking every step with intention working with advocates to secure long-term housing, staying consistent in counseling, and actively participating in her child’s healing journey. Each day in shelter is a step further away from fear and a step closer to safety, independence, and hope.
