News

Having an Attorney Made All the Difference

Cynthia’s* 20-year marriage was filled with abuse, but when she learned of her daughter’s distress, she found the courage to leave. Desperate to protect her children, Cynthia turned to the Buhai Center for help, and the support she received made all the difference. 

YEARS OF FEAR AND SURVIVAL 

After enduring 20 years of physical, sexual, and verbal abuse from her husband. Cynthia recalls, “he would drink and come home drunk. [Early in our marriage,] I had just had my second child. He started fighting and arguing with me, pulled me, slapped me, and I fainted. He called his brothers over. They were trying to wake me up by putting alcohol under my nose.” 

FINDING THE COURAGE TO LEAVE 

Witnessing the abuse took a heavy toll on Cynthia’s three children, and when her doctor discovered that Cynthia’s oldest daughter had begun to harm herself, Cynthia knew she had to act. 

She bravely took her first steps to get out of the abusive relationship, separating from her husband, getting support from a shelter, and obtaining a temporary domestic violence restraining order. 

Despite these efforts, Cynthia faced relentless pressure from her abuser to return. Knowing she needed to take additional steps to safeguard herself and her children, Cynthia came to the Buhai Center. 

TURNING TO THE BUHAI CENTER 

At the Buhai Center, Cynthia was assisted by a dedicated and skilled team of staff and volunteer attorneys who helped her navigate the process of obtaining a divorce, custody orders, and a permanent restraining order. With the Buhai Center’s representation, Cynthia found the courage she needed and, with her attorney’s support, was able to present the evidence of the abuse she had endured. 

After hearing that evidence, the judge granted Cynthia a permanent domestic violence restraining order that will protect her and her children for life. She was also awarded sole legal and physical custody of her children, and her minor child’s visits with her now ex-husband are very limited and supervised. 

FREEDOM AND STABILITY 

For Cynthia, this court decision was a turning point. “Thanks to the help I received from the Buhai Center, I feel supported and free,” Cynthia shares. “I feel more confident because, with their assistance, everything turned out well. My ex-husband now provides child support, and he no longer bothers us.” For the first time in years, Cynthia’s family is free from the cycle of abuse. 

Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I saw how much work goes into helping people [with their family law cases]. The truth is a lot of people cannot solve these problems without the Buhai Center’s help. Having an attorney go to court with me made all the difference. I am very grateful for the help I received. The truth is a lot of people cannot solve these problems without the Buhai Center’s help. Having an attorney go to court with me made all the difference. I am very grateful for the help I received.”

– Cynthia 

*Client’s name and photo have been changed to protect her privacy.

December 2024