Bianca’s Story: When Support Provides Hope for a Safe Future

After years of surviving domestic violence, Bianca reached a point where she knew she had to act to protect her children. When she learned that her husband had sexually abused her daughters, Bianca made the decision to leave immediately. She gathered only what her children needed and drove from Las Vegas to California to seek safety with family.

Even after leaving, the danger did not end. Her abuser continued to cycle in and out of jail, and Bianca was navigating restraining orders, law enforcement, and a complex legal case involving the abuse of her children. She spent months calling organizations, searching for help, stability, and safety for her family.

When Bianca heard about Lumina at a Fashions for a Purpose event, she called and learned there was space available at the Paso Robles shelter. For the first time in years, Bianca and her three children had a safe place to stay. They remained at the shelter for three months, where they were met with kindness, consistency, and support.

At Lumina Alliance, Bianca received help navigating next steps, accessing resources, and understanding her options. While the criminal case against her abuser moved forward, Lumina Alliance continued to support Bianca and her children, including helping her find resources while traveling back to Las Vegas to testify during the year-and-a-half-long trial. Lumina Alliance staff helped Bianca stay grounded and connected during a process that was exhausting, retraumatizing, and overwhelming.

Ultimately, her abuser was sentenced to prison.

During her time at the Paso Robles shelter, Lumina Alliance also helped Bianca plan for long-term stability. With staff support, she was able to secure permanent housing on the Central Coast, giving her children a place to heal and rebuild their lives. For the first time, Bianca and her children experienced what it meant to feel safe in their own home.

Today, Bianca says, “Lumina Alliance helped me out of a hole I did not believe I could escape.” The shelter, advocacy, and resources provided not only helped her family survive, but made it possible for them to move forward. Bianca and her children now have the freedom to be safe, to build healthy routines, and to begin forming connections again.

Grateful for the support she received, Bianca chose to give back. She completed Lumina Alliance’s 65-hour training and is now a trained crisis counselor and volunteer. Through her work, Bianca hopes other survivors, especially women in the Mexican community, will know they have a voice, that they can share their experiences, and that help is available.