Joy's story began in a place of fear and uncertainty.
Facing domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse related to her immigration status, Joy felt lost and isolated: "I was frozen in fear. I just couldn’t think, my brain was on fire." Having been to court already and after consulting numerous local victim service organizations, she could not find the support she so desperately needed. Struggling to navigate an abusive situation, Joy felt her options were limited to "either jail or homelessness." Then, after one particularly concerning violent incident, everything changed when the local court system recommended the Pace Women's Justice Center: "When I spoke with my attorney, that was it. I felt like this was the angel and the place that could truly help me."
As an immigrant in the United States, Joy also grappled with the fear of seeking help. With her family back in her home country, she felt completely alone. She didn’t realize that the depression stemming from both her abuse and childhood trauma was keeping her from seeking support. It was PWJC’s trauma-informed approach that finally made all the difference, starting with a compassionate ear and space to be heard. "I just needed someone to listen," she shared. "I didn’t understand these things—I had nobody. And PWJC was there for me, and I am more than grateful."
When I spoke with my attorney, that was it. I felt like this was the angel and the place that could truly help me.
Without the shame and judgement she felt from other organizations during her search for help, Joy felt empowered to reclaim and redefine a safe and secure life. Her attorney’s respect for her cultural background and personal experiences helped her feel truly heard and supported, moving forward at her own pace toward safety and stability. Joy noted that her attorney never pressured her into specific actions, instead presenting her various legal options and allowing her to choose the path that best suited her goals. Her attorney, she emphasized, was “more than understanding” of her trauma and approached her case “from a human standpoint."
Through PWJC’s assistance, Joy swiftly secured the legal support needed to stabilize her family and begin rebuilding her life. Her attorney advocated not just for Joy's safety, but also for a holistic look at the nuances of her situation, demonstrating the comprehensive approach the PWJC takes to each case and proving to Joy that she was in good hands. She noted, "The respect that the judicial system has for your organization really helped me be heard in the courtroom."
As the legal measures she worked with her attorney to put in place began taking effect, Joy noticed the impact PWJC had extending beyond just her legal situation, fostering a deeper understanding of healthy relationships and emotional healing for not just herself, but those around her as well. She noted that the appreciation came from "Not only just me, you helped [my family] realize a lot.... it goes beyond what you think."
The respect that the judicial system has for your organization really helped me be heard in the courtroom.
Today, Joy is on a path of healing and growth, noting that the impact of PWJC’s services extends far beyond legal assistance; it has empowered her emotionally and psychologically, “I’m just so grateful to be alive," she commented. "I’ve overcome so much, learned so much about the human mind—and about family trauma.” She is now pursuing a full-time education to further her career, and feels confident and secure in her goals knowing she can always reach out to PWJC for help. "If I didn't have you guys, I'd be on a different path."
As we look to the future, PWJC remains dedicated to offering life-changing services, proving that with the right support, resilience and recovery are not only possible—they are within reach. To learn more about our services and mission, visit the Women's Justice Center website or consider making a donation. Together, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of individuals like Joy, who are seeking safety and hope in the new year.
PWJC’s many programs offer free legal assistance, free legal clinics open to the public, and training for professionals. It also has a robust program to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers. A dedicated team of volunteers include those who have some legal training — such as lawyers, paralegals, and law students — and those who bring other skills to Center programs, such as community members, and high school and college students.
The Pace Women's Justice Center (PWJC) is proud to announce that its esteemed Executive Director, Cindy Kanusher, Esq., has been selected for inclusion on City & State’s inaugural "Trailblazers in Law" list. The Trailblazers in Law award spotlights attorneys, academics, public officials, and other influential figures who have made an impact in the legal field in New York.
Each year, the Pace Women’s Justice Center (PWJC) commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October with the culmination of its Raising the Bar Benefit Concert. This year’s concert will take place at the Capitol Theatre on Thursday, November 3, at 8:00 p.m. The full-length concert will be exclusively performed by the Grammy-winning duo, Indigo Girls.