A Chance at Survival

In New York City, a shelter opens to house people with disabilities who are escaping from abusive relationships.

By Jennifer M. Rodriguez

After years of abuse, and being taken across the country from New York City to California by her abuser who then abandoned her and kidnapped her children, Theresa McIntosh was left to fend for herself in an unfamiliar place with no money, resources, family or friends. Just when it seemed as if things couldn’t get worse, Theresa was dealt yet another unlucky card, when a car ran over her while she was crossing a Los Angeles street and which subsequently led to the amputation of her left leg.

As if out of concern, her husband flew to L.A. and brought Theresa back home to New York to “care” for her. Upon her return, Theresa found herself back in the same old abusive relationship she was in before, but this time her daughter, who had been alienated by her father since birth, also joined him in the physical, verbal, financial and psychological abuse of her mother. “My husband would call me names and say things like, ‘You’re not a real woman’ or ‘You’re damaged goods.’ I felt trapped, humiliated, isolated, helpless and hopeless.”

Taking Control

Finally in 1999, Theresa came to the life-changing decision that she needed to make a change and start taking control of her life. She was referred to the Barrier Free Living (BFL) Non-Residential Domestic Violence (DV) program but, as fate would have it, Theresa was dealt yet another unlucky card.

“I wanted to leave the abusive situation so bad, but we could not find the appropriate accommodation for me being a woman with a disability,” said Theresa, who was now using a wheelchair. “In New York City, there are more animal shelters than shelter space for victims of DV and even less accommodations for individuals with disabilities.”

That changed when Paul Feuerstein, CEO of Barrier Free Living, finally realized his decade-long dream of building Freedom House, America’s first all-accessible emergency shelter specifically designed to serve victims of DV with disabilities.

“We provide a range of services and linkages to other community resources, enabling individuals to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their living dignified, secure lives,” said Feurstein at the Freedom House inauguration on Monday, February 27 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Freedom House shelters up to 87 families and accommodates individuals who are mobility impaired, deaf, or hard of hearing, and blind and visually impaired. Freedom House is staffed with individuals who have completed intensive training on how to best meet the needs of its residents.

Feurstein says that Barrier Free Living works toward a world free of abuse and bias, in which barriers to housing, transportation, social services, legal systems, jobs, education, recreation, and fulfilling relationships are broken down and people with disabilities have equal access to their communities.

Although a shelter like Freedom House was not available to Theresa when she was first seeking refuge from her abusive situation, she says that it was because of consistent advocacy, empowerment, and supportive counseling by the staff of Barrier Free Living, that she was able to leave her abusive relationship, find shelter, and later secure an apartment.

A Survivor

In 2001, Theresa joined the Voices of Woman (VOW), a grassroots organization that empowers and trains victims to become leaders. “I began to slowly regain my self-worth and became a survivor,” said Theresa.

“My ultimate goal is to ensure that all individuals with disabilities live dignified lives, free of abuse, discrimination and misunderstandings,” said Theresa. “I pledge to go around the nation in my wheelchair and work hard at bringing about changes in the lives of individuals with disabilities. I want the world to know, understand, and accept my population as one with capabilities, strengths, endurance, and needs that must be met.”

If you are experiencing abuse, either by a loved one, or a caregiver, and want to take control of your life, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE, and let your local DV organization know if there is a need for accessible shelter in your area.

If you are in New York City and would like to learn more about or seek the help of Barrier Free Living, please visit www.bflnyc.org or call 212-677-6668.

Jennifer M. Rodriguez is Public Affairs officer.