Tapestri aids immigrant survivors

Tapestri, an Atlanta-based organization, focuses on supporting immigrants and refugees who survive domestic violence and human trafficking. The group provides services throughout the year to address the specific hurdles these survivors face when leaving abusive relationships.

Advocates note that language barriers, financial dependence, and fear regarding immigration status complicate the process of escaping. Vanisa Tabakovic, the founder of Tapestri, explained that many clients rely on their abusers for financial support and assistance with immigration paperwork. This dependency often prevents survivors from seeking help until the situation becomes critical.

One survivor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to protect her safety, described the difficulty of leaving her former husband. Originally from Africa, she said the abuse began after he moved the family to Nebraska. The physical abuse extended to her children, which prompted her to leave. She stated that she boarded a bus to Georgia with her children while her husband was away to find a fresh start.

The survivor had no family nearby, which increased her sense of isolation. She connected with Tapestri in Georgia, where she found a community that provided safety and care. She recalled feeling comfortable and thankful, noting that she had not previously believed such support existed for people in her situation.

Tabakovic emphasized that the need for support is constant rather than a one-time event. Helping a survivor escape is only the initial step. The organization works to provide resources that allow individuals to build a life after the abuse. Tabakovic stated that survivors require a community of resources to move from the time they first reach out to the point where they are stable in their lives.

The organization aims to bridge the gap between immediate escape and long-term stability. By offering consistent support, Tapestri addresses the unique challenges faced by non-native speakers and those without local family networks. The survivor said the support she and her children received gave them a chance to start over and secure a future that seemed uncertain before they arrived in Georgia.