Alyssa’s Story

Alyssa thought she had it all, a beautiful house, two great kids, a husband that provided them with everything they needed, and she was a popular teacher who was working on her master’s degree in education.

Alyssa and her husband had a great relationship for a couple of years. By the time their second child was born, her husband had become psychologically and emotionally controlling, isolating her from family and friends. He began to be physically and sexually abusive and he even drugged her on several occasions before sexually assaulting her.

Throughout these years, Alyssa maintained her job, participated in the community and the children’s activities, all the while keeping a smiling face. The final straw for her was when she found out that her husband had also been sexually abusing their children.

Her husband was eventually found guilty of child sexual abuse, convicted and incarcerated. During the months-long court process, her friends and family finally realized what had been going on and rallied around her. his was also Alyssa’s opportunity to pack up and move north to be with family and away from him. A friend in this area told Alyssa about Turning Points Network, and she came in to talk to an advocate.

Alyssa’s advocate provided peer counseling, emotional support, and coaching. She helped Alyssa learn about power and control in relationships and to understand why it is so hard to leave. With TPN’s advocacy, Alyssa was able to let go of her guilt, and was connected with other community agencies that could help her, including New Hampshire Wishlist, Southwestern Community Services, Baby Steps and New Hampshire Legal Assistance.

The next step was to enroll Alyssa in TPN’s Transitional Housing Program, helping Alyssa find an apartment of her own for herself and her children. In addition to regular meetings with her advocate, Alyssa participated in TPN’s Financial Empowerment Training with the goal of supporting herself and her children not only physically and emotionally, but financially as well. As part of her plan, Alyssa utilized referrals and resources to get back on track with finishing her master’s degree. Alyssa stated,“I don’t know how I ever would have done all of this without Turning Points’ help.”

Alyssa wants to petition the court to change the boys’ last name to hers and work with the corrections system to stay updated on any changes in her husband’s incarceration. TPN will assist Alyssa every step of the way.

Together, Alyssa and her boys are now working hard to put the years of abuse behind them. No one knew what Alyssa was enduring at home. Domestic violence is hard to talk about and disclose, even to family and friends who care. And, Alyssa’s story is a prime example of how domestic violence can happen to anyone regardless of socioeconomic status, education level or standing in the community.

Alyssa is sharing her story with all of us to shine a light on domestic violence. Most of us know someone who has experienced domestic violence. The more we hear about it, the easier it might be for all of us to find a safe way to ask someone we are worried about if they are okay.

TPN joins with businesses in Sullivan County who are helping toShine a Light on Domestic Violenceduring Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

OURTURNisapublicserviceseriesbyTurningPointsNetwork(TPN)servingallofSullivanCountywith offices in Claremont and Newport. We provide wraparound supports for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking and we present violence-prevention education programs in our schools. For more than 40 years, TPN has helped people of all ages move from the darkness of abuse toward the light of respect, healing and hope. For information contact 1.800.639.3130 or www.turningpointsnetwork.orgor find us onFacebook.