Karen

feels safe and is building a support system of friends


Karen was married to her husband for just over a year when she learned he was abusing methamphetamines, prescription narcotics, and alcohol. Her husband began victimizing her and over the course of the next year he repeatedly beaten her with his fists and other objects, killed her pet dog, confined her to the house, and threatened her with a gun.

Karen was eventually able to escape to a friend’s house and contacted Mainstay for help. With the help of a court advocate, Karen obtained an emergency ex-parte order through the court that made it illegal for her husband to contact her or come near her. Mainstay referred Karen to Pisgah Legal Services who provided free legal representation to make sure that her restraining order would stay in place for at least a year.

Since Karen’s abusive relationship ended she has received counseling services through Mainstay and reports that she feels safe. Karen’s goals for the future include building a support system of friends in the community and to pursue her long-lost hobby of horseback riding. Karen continues to work with Mainstay’s programs and hopes to be "back in the saddle" before long.