Ramona’s Story

A Step Toward Safety

The path to safety often comes with unexpected obstacles. For Ramona*, a mother of a three-year-old daughter, the biggest barrier wasn’t finding the courage to leave an abusive situation—it was securing the funds needed to establish a new home. Like many caregivers in similar circumstances, her primary concern wasn’t her own safety, but her ability to protect her child.

After enduring domestic violence, Ramona had taken decisive action to protect herself and her daughter. Her Section 8 housing application received priority status due to their circumstances, but the security deposit requirement represented a final hurdle between them and safety.

The Weight of Responsibility 

The strain of their situation weighed heavily on Ramona. “I’m stressed out, because it’s not even [just] myself,” she shared in her interview with Footbridge. “I feel depressed and somewhat in a bad mood because I feel like I’m putting my daughter in a situation that she [doesn’t] need to be in.”

This sentiment echoes a common struggle among survivors who are also caregivers. The instinct to protect their children, coupled with their own experience of abuse, often creates a complex layer of guilt. Studies indicate that mothers in abusive situations frequently report feeling they’ve failed in their role as protectors, even as they take brave steps toward safety.

A Bridge to Independence

Understanding the urgency of Ramona’s situation and the critical nature of timing in domestic violence cases, Footbridge provided $1,200 to cover the security deposit for her new apartment. This assistance removed the final obstacle between Ramona and her goal: a safe home where her daughter could have her own room—a space where she could finally fulfill her deepest wish of providing security for her child.

With stable housing secured, Ramona could focus on her next steps: scheduling a needed hernia surgery and returning to work. These practical matters, which once seemed insurmountable while living under threat, now became manageable tasks on her journey toward independence.

A Broader Perspective

Ramona’s experience highlights how financial constraints can trap people in dangerous situations, even when they have access to housing assistance. While programs like Section 8 provide crucial support, the upfront costs of establishing a new home can present a significant barrier to safety—particularly for caregivers who must consider not only their own escape, but the immediate and long-term security of their children.

In these critical moments, timing can make the difference between staying and leaving. Footbridge’s ability to provide rapid, flexible financial assistance makes it a vital component of community-based support for survivors of domestic violence. Working alongside other support organizations, this swift response helps remove the financial barriers that too often force caregivers to choose between their children’s immediate needs and their long-term safety.

*This name has been changed for privacy reasons.