Gina didn’t realize it was abuse.

In November, 2010, a young mom named Gina came into HOPE’s offices for help.  Her husband had just been arrested and, although she had a job, her paycheck alone was not paying all the bills.  After JoAnn from HOPE’s Supportive Housing Services program spoke with Gina it became apparent that financial assistance was not all she was in need of.  JoAnn brought Gina downstairs to speak with Susan, HOPE’s Kids Count program manager.

As it turned out, Gina and her three children: Jared, 2 ½; Melody, 1 ½; and Bryson, 7months; were all being verbally and physically abused by Gina’s husband, Evan.  Law Enforcement was regularly called to their house, but there was never enough evidence to arrest him.  Gina told Susan that, although Evan was a “great dad,” he often screamed and swore at her and the children, and on some occasions became violent.  He had once broken her nose while she struggled to hold onto baby Jared.  She managed not to drop Jared, but he had witnessed the entire incident and showed signs of being abused.  He was behind walking and rolling-over, and now had trouble using the bathroom.  He was also beginning to lash out at his brother and sister – hitting and hurting them like he saw his father do on a regular basis.

During their meeting, Susan connected Gina with other service providers who could help her: Goodhue County Public Health, the Colvill Family Center, and the Care Clinic for Gina’s medication that she had been unable to fill.  Susan arranged for weekly meetings with Gina and has scheduled a time to talk with a case worker about her situation.  Because all HOPE staff members are mandated reporters, Susan encouraged Gina to call and report the abuse to Social Services while Susan sat with her for support. 

Kids Count will continue to serve this family through “Toddler Time” with the children and mentoring and parenting support for Gina – and possibly for Evan also, once he is released from jail in December.  Through mentoring, positive role modeling, and early intervention, it is possible for this family to break the cycle of violence and live a whole and happy life together.