November 19, 2024 by Natalie Cochran
Sexual Harassment of a Minor: A Newfound Freedom for a Mother and Her Children
Sophia and Ricky were married for five years and had four children together, two of whom were autistic. She has always been a very dedicated mother, supporting her family in the face of intense adversity. She found herself in circumstances she never thought she would be in, and her protective instincts kicked in.
Ricky did not express any abusive behaviors at the beginning of their relationship. “The abuse started later. At first, the abuse was emotional and then became physical. He also neglected the kids and our relationship, and he couldn’t hold down a job for the last four years. He was so disgusted with my pregnancy, too. It was emotionally disparaging,” Sophia said. “He would also say things like it’s my way or the highway. I will punish you. My daughter was only two years old and was afraid of him.”
Not only was Sophia facing abuse from her husband Ricky while pregnant, but she discovered Ricky had been taking inappropriate and sexually explicit photos of her 11-year-old daughter. She made a police report, and Ricky was arrested after the child made an outcry. He was placed in jail, and due to the stress of the events, Sophia delivered her baby early.
Sophia called Star Legal Aid (LSLA), and her case was assigned to LSLA Staff Attorney Cheranda Robertson. Robertson helped Sophia obtain a default divorce, which is an automatic divorce given to a spouse when the other spouse fails to respond or shows up in court. Sophia separated from Ricky while managing a job and being supported by her in-laws during the ongoing process of her divorce. They have been supporting the welfare of her children by buying them new clothes, taking them to their extracurricular activities, and helping Sophia financially.
Our client Sophia had terrific things to say about LSLA and her attorney. “Cheranda was empathetic and helpful. I thank her for working with me. LSLA not only got justice for me but my children too. I feel safe now. I would tell other people experiencing domestic violence that anything in the darkness will come to light. They can’t hide forever. Help yourself and get the help you need,” Sophia said.
In return, Robertson enjoyed working with Sophia and helping her and the children turn their lives around and get a fresh start. This case was truly rewarding for Robertson.
“Sophia is truly an inspiring survivor. She cried on the phone at the end of the case, telling me how she didn’t think she was a good mother who could fight for her kids and protect them. I told her that what she did (immediately reporting AP to the police without hesitation, believing her daughter’s outcry of sexual abuse, and filing for divorce) was the bravest thing she could have possibly done. She is fearless and protective. I told her that so many parents do not believe their children regarding outcries of abuse and end up causing so much emotional pain and putting the children in continued physical danger. She is so much stronger than she realizes, and she is a wonderful mother doing an amazing job considering all that is on her plate,” Robertson said.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the client(s).
