Monica and Keith had known each other since high school, for more than two decades. They were both hearing impaired and had the same group of friends.  She also knew he had a dark side. A few years earlier, Keith had dated a friend of Monica's, and the relationship ended when he became physically abusive.

Still, they remained friends.  He stopped by after work one night for a drink. Her boyfriend, Nick, was not home and her two young children were already asleep. One drink became three and soon he was drunk. She asked him to leave, but he refused. When she insisted, he jumped up from the couch and slapped her. From there it got much worse. He grabbed her by the throat and then sexually assaulted her.

She contacted the police and was brought to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay to receive a forensic exam and connect to additional support services. Her victim advocate, Grace, was able to bring in an ASL interpreter to ensure there was clear communication as she worked with Monica.

Grace was there for Monica through every step of the process. She sat with her as she went through the procedure of filing a restraining order, and as she prepared for a criminal trial. She also helped Monica connect to services through Corbett Trauma Center, where she received counseling that helped her work through her feelings of fear, betrayal and anxiety.

Grace also worked with Nick and Monica's twenty-two year old son, Jordan. Both had feelings of guilt and extreme anger toward Keith. Nick had even expressed a desire to take the law into his own hands. Grace took time to talk with both men. She validated their emotions, helped them to feel better, and convinced Nick to avoid taking any action because it would interfere with the investigation and criminal case.

Because of your support, Monica and her family found help, hope, and healing at the Crisis Center.  To learn more about the Crisis Center's work in the community, be certain to attend a one hour lunchtime tour. You can see upcoming tour dates by clicking HERE.