Separation from Abusive Marriage-- Needing Suggestions/resources (SW Portland)

Abuse has many forms, not all are physical. Good for you for having the courage to say, I am not raising my child in this environment, nor will I tolerate it.

Where to turn. Many churches have support groups, & healing classes. Many also know the resources that are available from the state. I attend East Hill in Gresham,###-###-####, a little out of your way, but MANY resources are available, including getting you to a safe house if that is necessary. Beaverton Foursquare might be an option. I have now been single as long as I was married, 12 years. I took many healing classes, from divorce care, to betrayed heart, wounded by shame healed by grace, healing the father wound, I have forgotten the others. I also worked with a professional counselor. Nick Ure in downtown Portland. Amazing Counselor! He helped me through a boat load of pain, & "lie's" I had learned about life. Helped me see how my choices & pain were fueled by old hurts, and helped me dig them out & get rid of stuff. Do you already have a lawyer? those are helpful, especially if your (X)husband will try to gain custody, just to hurt you. I Used Heidi Froebe, again downtown. If you want numbers, I can get them.

May God bless you as you seek to do what is right for you & your child.

A. LMT

You might try contacting the Raphael House. It's a shelter but I bet they also have many resources you can tap into.

Good luck and congratulations for getting out. It takes a lot of strength and courage to leave.

Hi F.! I know of a church in SE Portland that offers a group that is support for single women who are dealing with exactly what you're dealing with. It is Hinson Church on 20th and Salmon. I attended there before we moved to Vancouver. I am not sure of the times though, you can call their office if you are interested:
###-###-####. May the Lord bless you! You are doing what is best for your baby and you, that takes a lot of courage:-)

I am very happy that you have found the strength to take your life back for you and your children. It will only get better from here. I would suggest calling Raphael House or The Women's Crisis Line for resources around domestic violence and support. I also belong to a parenting group called Parent's Anonymous, that has all types of parents involved. We just share our stories and support each other in our lives and parenting. The groups are parent led and each has a Facilitator and a Children's group, that kids learn to talk about their feelings and problem solve. It is all free and I am been attending for 6 1/2 years now. If you are interested please contact them.
Parents Anonymous® of Oregon
Morrison Center Child & Family Services
Ruth Taylor
Program Director
4945 N.E. 7th Avenue
Portland, OR 97211
TEL: ###-###-#### FAX: ###-###-####
E-mail: ____@____.com
Web Site: www.morrisoncenter.org
Help Line:
###-###-####
###-###-####

I know it all seems overwhelming but you will see in the long run you will be better for it. I have been in your situation and it was the BEST decision I ever made, being happy in the life I deserve. I wish you the best. D.

First of all you have made the biggest step so far by getting yourself & your child out the abusive situation and that had to have taken a lot of courage to do. I've been associated with a local Women's & Children's shelter here in the Portland area for 5 years and they will be able to help you get the right advocacy to move forward from this point. Raphael House of Portland has been serving women & children in crisis for over 30 years in the Portland area & across the world. Please contact them at ###-###-#### so that you can continue down the path of healing from this abusive relationship.
Best of luck to you & your child.
L.

Hi F.,

First let me say that you are not alone, even when it seems that way. You have taken the first step to change things for the better. Please feel proud of yourself, because it's not an easy thing to do.
There are lots of resources available to you. I don't know which county you're in, but I would start there. Look in the phone book. There are hot lines and other numbers listed which are operated by very helpful and knowlegaable women.
Regarding the legal circus, I can suggest a route that could really help. A lot of attorneys will offer advise over the phone or a consultation visit free of charge. You can get valuable info, plus you can hook up with someone who will be a good match for you. Custody issues call for a family law specialist, of which there are plenty. If you need financial assistance, as many in your position do, then I would suggest a debtor's (bankruptcy) attorney. The reason is that their cases often involve family law, and they work with many of the attorneys in the field. I'm not telling you to file for bankruptcy, but it's a good source of info. I know of a couple of women who talked to a man named Todd Trierweiler. He's a bankruptcy lawyer, but apparently he's really involved in family law. He seems to have a reputation for being not only a really effective attorney, but he's also a very nice guy. I've dealt with the court professionally and have seen him in action. I was very impressed.
Please know that you have lots of people around to help and support you. I wish you so much good luck. Be strong!