Sriyanta’s Story: I Am A Survivor

Sriyanta was accepted into Gum Moon’s housing program in 2014. Originally from Nepal, Sriyanta’s family had arranged her marriage to a man from a wealthy and traditional Indian family. After marriage, Sriyanta moved with her husband to the U.S.

“My husband didn’t care if I was alive,” says Sriyanta. “I slept on the living room floor and worked at Macy’s and tutored the neighbor’s children. I felt helpless and powerless.” The neighbors gave her food and emotional support, but the father of the children she tutored ended up sexually assaulting her.

Sriyanta moved out the next day into emergency shelter at Asian Women’s Shelter. She was eventually accepted into Gum Moon’s housing program for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“I feel very safe here with the residents and staff,” says Sriyanta. “When I first arrived I was missing my family greatly, and my health was not good. I shared with the staff that I had to have a very bland diet. One staff member brought rice porridge to my room and I almost cried. I felt like I wasn’t at a housing program, but that I was with family.”

“The staff has helped me find a solution whenever I have needed help,” says Sriyanta. “They helped me find financial support when I didn’t yet have my work permit. They have also been supportive of my interests and goals. For instance, I shared my love of dance with the staff and they arranged for me to provide weekly dance instruction to the other residents, which built my confidence in being an instructor. They also helped me put together a video of my dancing that has led me to other instruction opportunities.”

Sriyanta is grateful for her home at Gum Moon. Now that she has her work permit, she is gainfully employed and continues to grow her independence and confidence.