“There are times in a family domestic violence situation a person may feel like they have no recourse, no place to turn, and they are just stuck. But it’s important to know support is available. You don’t have to stay in the situation.”
– Theresia Jackson, client
When Theresia Jackson experienced abuse from a family member, she turned to a program she
had learned about during her 22 years as a community school counselor. Theresia called the Illinois Department on Aging to be connected to Metropolitan Family Services’ (MFS’) Adult Protective Services (APS).
Through the program, Theresia met Luz, an Intervention Specialist with APS.
“The personal concern and willingness from Luz to be supportive and look out for what I needed and what I was going through — that support was really important to me,” Theresia recalls.
Luz met with Theresia in her home to survey her situation, explain available services, and develop a plan that kept Theresia in control of her own decisions. Luz describes APS as “a self-determination program” that investigates abuse, neglect and exploitation while respecting clients’ independence. “We work with them, not for them,” Luz says. “We are the support to help them make the right decisions.”
When Theresia expressed that she wanted legal assistance, Luz connected her with MFS’ Legal Aid Society, which helped her secure an emergency order of protection. “I truly believe that she [Luz] has my interests [at heart],” Theresia says. “I felt supported with what I was going through, that it wasn’t something I had to handle on my own.”
Theresia explains how isolating abuse can be for victims. “It can be a shameful situation for a person to be in, when they are being abused. It’s on a personal level, and they still may have concern for the loved one, even though the loved one is being abusive.”
Since Theresia entered into APS in May of 2025, she has grown remarkably. “She was ashamed of her situation; she was hesitant to talk about it even with me,” Luz recalls. “For about a month and a half, she didn’t want to go out. Now, hearing her say she has plans for her future makes me very excited for her. She’s no longer afraid. She knows that she has people around her that are going to care for her.”
Theresia considers herself fortunate to have supportive adult children who stand by her and to have Luz in her corner. “I appreciate the opportunity to share, because I hope it will help someone. That’s my desire, to be of help to others that may be going through or have gone through a similar situation as I have. It’s important; there’s so many out there trying to fight the battle alone, and you don’t have to.”
