For five years, Sophia worked tirelessly to care for her four children, two of whom are autistic, while enduring an increasingly abusive marriage to her husband, Ricky. What began as emotional abuse grew into physical violence, neglect, and threats. “He would say things like, ‘It’s my way or the highway. I will punish you,’” Sophia recalled. “My daughter was only two years old and was already afraid of him.”
The abuse escalated in the most devastating way when Sophia discovered that Ricky had been taking sexually explicit photos of her 11-year-old daughter. Without hesitation, Sophia contacted the police. After her daughter bravely disclosed the abuse, Ricky was arrested. The stress of the events caused Sophia to deliver her baby early, but she remained determined to protect her family.
Sophia reached out to Lone Star Legal Aid, where Staff Attorney Cheranda Robertson stepped in to help. Robertson guided Sophia through the process of securing a default divorce after Ricky failed to respond in court. With her in-laws providing additional support—helping care for the children, providing financial assistance, and keeping their lives as stable as possible—Sophia began to rebuild.
Looking back, Sophia expressed her gratitude:
“Cheranda was empathetic and helpful. I thank her for working with me. LSLA not only got justice for me but for 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.”
Robertson called Sophia “an inspiring survivor,” praising her for believing her daughter, reporting the abuse immediately, and seeking safety through divorce. “That was the bravest thing she could have possibly done,” Robertson said. “She is fearless and protective—stronger than she realizes—and she is a wonderful mother doing an amazing job despite everything she has endured.”
Today, Sophia and her children are safe, and with the help of LSLA, they are looking toward a future filled with security and hope.
*Name(s) have been changed to protect the client’s identity.
Lone Star Legal Aid (LSLA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit law firm focused on advocacy for low-income populations by providing free legal education, advice, and representation. LSLA serves millions of people at 125% of federal poverty guidelines, who live in 72 counties in the eastern and Gulf Coast regions of Texas, and 4 counties in Southwest Arkansas. To learn more about Lone Star Legal Aid, visit our website at www.LoneStarLegal.org.
Media contact: media@lonestarlegal.org