Domestic Violence Survivor Success Story through our Domestic Violence Rapid Re-Housing Program

What is Domestic Violence you ask? Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, and emotional abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence can vary dramatically. 

Our Domestic Violence Rapid Re-Housing Program provides up to 24 months of rental assistance for those fleeing a domestic violence situation or are homeless because of already leaving.  

Here is a success story from one of our client’s who is part of this program. 

“I was in a relationship for seven years, the first couple of years were amazing. The first abusive episode happened while he was drunk and I had just got done with making him a pot roast for dinner, he did not want it and ordered me to get him something at a fast food restaurant. I said “no” and the next thing I knew I was seeing stars and it didn’t register right away what had happened; he had punched me so hard in the forehead. At the time, I was smoking and while he was hitting me over and over I remember the burning on my lip. 

Time went on and once again, he was drunk. I don’t recall where we were going but as we drove down the highway, he became angry and started hitting me. He then reach over to the passenger door and opened it and shoved me out as he was driving. I awoke to him screaming me, somehow I was back in the truck (I am guessing he put me back in). My face was cut open and blood was pouring down from all the cuts, scrapes and injuries. 

Another time on the 4th of July, we were living in a camper at my Mother’s place and had just returned from seeing fireworks with my family. He was intoxicated and he began yelling and punching me; at one point he began to slam my head against the counter and my brother came in and brought me inside to sleep for the night. My Mother was not compassionate to the abusive relationship I was in and she told me to “shut my mouth,” she was more afraid of the police being called. I felt helpless. 

I ended in a Domestic Abuse Shelter and then go back together with him for a bit. The last incident occurred when he almost strangled me to death and broke some of my ribs. I have not been able to sleep in my bed since the incident, I sleep in the living room. 

Newcap has helped me get away from him and stay away by not having to depend upon him financially. Newcap has given me a safe and secure place to heal, cope, and time to get back on my feet and an option to never go back to the abusive relationship. They help me with food, hygiene products, and time to get the help I need.” 

More about the Domestic Violence Rapid Re-Housing Program: 

It is funded through the Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care and the Department of Housing and Urban Development and can provide up to 24 months of rental assistance. The program will pay 100% of the participant’s first month’s rent. Thereafter, participant contribution toward rent will be 30% of the household’s monthly adjusted gross income, payable directly to the landlord. This program provides intensive case management to each household. This program is offered in Florence, Forest, Langlade, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Shawano, and Vilas counties.