Escaping an abusive situation involves far more nuance than just the act of physically leaving. Financial stability and resources are key to safely leaving an abuser.
For Sharelle Ellis, the Pathways program provided much-needed help with planning and transportation as well as a support system that allowed her to find both stability and her voice.
Pathways Offers Hope and Healing
Catholic Charities’ Pathways program is a community-based resource provider that supports victims of domestic violence in Maricopa County. This three-part team provides free counseling, support groups and mobile victim advocacy.
When 51-year-old Sharelle came to Pathways in 2022, her life was in danger. She needed help to safely escape her abuser and attain a divorce while protecting her physical safety.
From Safety Planning to a Fresh Start
Pathways advocates worked with Sharelle to develop a plan to leave that would not put her at risk of homelessness. They supported her with transportation assistance that allowed her to keep her job and provided help with move-in costs when she found safe housing.
Throughout the divorce process, Pathways advocates walked alongside Sharelle with care and compassion. They provided emotional support and a referral to a trustworthy process server, a professional who delivers legal documents.
Access to this process server allowed her to submit the documents she needed to move forward with her divorce by publishing a legal notice instead of serving the paperwork in person.
A Survivor Finds Meaning and Purpose in Advocacy
Today, Sharelle is gainfully employed and financially independent. Now divorced and free from her abuser, she speaks out on behalf of other survivors.
Sharelle brings hope and healing as a speaker with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. She has also written and published a book about recognizing patterns of abuse, gaslighting and other toxic behavior, which has helped promote understanding and healing throughout the community.
The Impact of Resources, Compassion and Community Support
Sharelle made the remarkable transition from living in fear and uncertainty to finding her voice and reclaiming her strength. But she makes it clear she didn’t walk that road alone.
"Everyone at Pathways treated me with kindness, compassion and respect. Their support meant more to me than I can put into words, and I will never forget how much they helped me. I would wholeheartedly recommend Catholic Charities to anyone who needs support,” she said.
You can help make stories like Sharelle's possible. Give a gift online to help provide essential resources, advocacy, counseling, and other support to survivors of domestic violence. Together, we can help more individuals move toward safety, healing and hope.
