Empowering a mother in Mexico to heal from the hidden scars of psychological violence
In Mexico, domestic violence remains a pressing issue, ranking third in national crime rates. In 2022, reports showed that every hour, a woman sought help for violence threatening her life or that of her children, a 14% increase from the previous year. While physical violence often captures the public’s attention, the less visible yet equally devastating effects of psychological abuse also demand attention. Catalina’s story of resilience emerged after more than two decades of psychological and verbal violence to rebuild her life and be a role model for her daughters.
Hurting in silence
Prolonged exposure to psychological violence has profound effects on an individual, directly impacting self-esteem, diminishing confidence, and disrupting personal development.
Catalina experienced these effects firsthand. Over two decades, she found herself trapped in a marriage where hurtful words eroded her deepest feelings, slowly fading her aspirations and dreams.
When she married, Catalina envisioned a life filled with happiness, partnership, and mutual support through thick and thin. Unfortunately, her reality took a different turn. As years passed, she felt increasingly isolated and questioned her self-worth daily. The relentless verbal abuse from her partner made her lose sight of herself, causing her dreams to slip away.
“I suffered verbal, emotional, and economic violence, and I thought that problems or violence were normal, but now I realize that they are not,” Catalina said.
A difficult decision
After enduring over two decades of psychological abuse, Catalina faced the daunting decision to divorce. The driving force behind her choice was her love for her daughters. She refused to let them grow up thinking they had to endure violence, determined to break the cycle. Although challenging, she bravely ended her 20-year marriage, fully aware of the hardships ahead.
Navigating the aftermath
Post-divorce, Catalina found herself in a tumultuous period, questioning her decision and fearing her ability to provide for her daughters. The absence of a career or trade further heightened her concerns. Financial constraints made seeking professional help impossible until a friend introduced her to SOS Children’s Villages Mexico.
Located at Aldea de Comitán, SOS Children’s Villages Mexico offered Catalina a lifeline through its Family Strengthening Program. She accessed psychologists who supported families in need. Through psychological therapy aimed at bolstering her self-esteem and providing practical tools, Catalina embarked on a journey to reclaim her dreams and aspirations.
She started her own business: “I dedicated myself to baking cookies. I want to fulfill myself as a woman, stand out, and be an example for other young women so that they can get ahead.”
A new beginning
Catalina emerged from the shadows of abuse with a newfound support network, empowering her to be a resilient woman. Despite economic adversities, she reactivated her dream of establishing a business to secure a better future for herself and her daughters.
"Today, I feel fulfilled, and I would like to teach other women what I have learned so they can move forward and know that we are valuable.”
Catalina's story is a powerful testament to the resilience of those who refuse to be defined by their past, reminding us that there is hope for a brighter tomorrow, even in the face of adversity.