by Toni Roberts
*At the time this article was created, DeKalb Pro Bono existed under its former name of DeKalb Volunteer Lawyers Association.
A 30-year old woman referred to DVLF by Tapestri fled her war-torn country with her husband and child with the assistance of the United Nations. Sadly, that would not be her only battle for a safe existence. Her husband was a tyrant, regularly abusing her sexually, physically, verbally and mentally. These acts often occurred in the presence of their 4-year old, rendering the child extremely frightful of him. One day, the woman, pregnant with their second child, felt ill and did not cook dinner. When her husband arrived home and discovered the same, he beat her so badly that she ended up hospitalized. Once again, her life was at risk but this time the trauma was compounded by the fact that she spoke very little English and her tyrant of a husband was the sole bread winner. She desperately needed help gaining the support and protections allowable under a carefully crafted divorce. Enter volunteer Kathlyn Khashan-Womack. Kathlyn accepted this case without hesitation, was so patient and took such good care of this client. She was able to guide the client in the process and secure a divorce that allowed for a custody arrangement that keeps all parties safe, as well as child support that would allow her to find and maintain her independence. The client and her children are now thriving as they begin their new new lives.
Your support allows DVLF to continue protecting and advocating for families and children like this one.
