Helen Deepneau's Escape from Abuse

Helen's journey from a battered wife to an independent woman, with Ralph's help.

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The Beating

A Brutal Awakening The Attack Helen Deepneau signs a petition to bring Susan Day to Derry, not thinking much of it. When her husband Ed discovers this, he flies into a rage and beats her severely, knocking out two teeth and fracturing her cheekbone. She staggers to the Red Apple with baby Natalie, blood streaming down her face. Ralph's Intervention Ralph Roberts is at the store and calls 911 despite Helen's pleas. He confronts Ed, who is arrested. Helen is taken to the hospital, where she meets Gretchen Tillbury, a counselor from WomanCare. Gretchen helps her see that the abuse is not her fault and that she must leave Ed for her own safety and Natalie's. The First Step Helen moves to High Ridge, a shelter for battered women. She begins the difficult process of rebuilding her life, attending therapy and learning that she is not alone. She writes Ralph a letter thanking him and telling him she is filing for divorce.

Life at High Ridge

Healing and Growth A New Home At High Ridge, Helen finds a community of women who understand her experience. She works in the garden, helps with chores, and participates in group therapy. For the first time in years, she feels safe. Natalie thrives among the other children. The Divorce Helen moves forward with the divorce, determined to cut all ties with Ed. She gets a job at the Derry Public Library, thanks to Mike Hanlon. The job gives her financial independence and a sense of purpose. She begins to imagine a future without fear. A Visit from Ralph Ralph and Lois visit High Ridge to check on Helen. They find her transformed – stronger, more confident. She thanks Ralph for calling the police that day, acknowledging that it was the turning point. She is ready to start a new life.

The High Ridge Attack

Terror Returns The Assault Ed's radical followers – Charlie Pickering, Frank Felton, and Sandra McKay – attack High Ridge with guns and Molotov cocktails. They kill Gretchen Tillbury and another woman before the police arrive. Helen and Natalie are trapped in the cellar with other women and children as the house burns. Rescue Ralph and Lois, guided by Clotho and Lachesis, appear in the cellar. Ralph breaks the lock on the bulkhead door, and Lois leads the women to safety. Helen is reunited with Natalie, who has been carried out by Lois. The attack strengthens Helen's resolve to never go back to Ed. Aftermath High Ridge is destroyed, but Helen and Natalie survive. Helen's determination to attend Susan Day's speech that night is undimmed – she sees it as a way to honor Gretchen and stand up to the forces that tried to kill her. She goes to the Civic Center, unaware that Ed's plane is heading toward it.

August 1993, after Helen signs a petition

Late summer and fall 1993

Friday morning, October 8, 1993