A New Beginning
Donation protected
My name is Jessica Marie. I am a domestic abuse survivor. Also a sexual assault and multiple rape survivor. Yes, it is grotesque and appalling admission. But I am here and I will continue to fight for the normality that I deserve. I am a 27 year old mother of two of the most beautiful and inspiring little girls you've ever met. Lily Ann aka Lily Beans was born 6 weeks early on October 30, 2008 with minimal health issues even with her prematurity. Her little sister Leah Marie aka Sissy followed on June 17, 2011. They are my everything and my whole world. My reason to believe in hope and miracles.
In 2014 their father and I separated after a 7 year long, rocky and abusive relationship. I really tried to be everything that he needed. I know that I was lacking in in some departments. (I mean who likes cleaning anyway?!) I'd met him when I was just 18. Lily was born when I was just barely 20. The first time he hit me she was just over 1 year old. And it happened over a tater tot.
A. Tater. Tot.
He split my eyebrow open and smashed my glasses with ONE backhand across the face.
Over a tater tot.
Through years of mental, emotional and physical abuse I lost myself. I'd always had a dream of one day owning a boarding kennel but they were tossed aside so we could focus on his need to build his own business. (Which is now thriving.)
Due to complete lack of knowledge and understanding of state laws and no self esteem to be found, I'm now in a mess of a custody battle. Before we had entered court he had agreed upon 50/50 legal and physical custody. But once finding out that if I applied for state assistance they could try for child support, he decided he wanted full custody. And he paid for a lawyer.
I had to face my abuser and his lawyer in court on my own. I've been doing my best with part time jobs that I can find. But I cannot afford a lawyer or the schooling I need in my field of interest.
I've tried legal aid and the resources that they've provided. But the pro bono lawyer is swamped (Imagine that!) and cannot take on anymore cases.
I am a great mother and I don't wish to take away the children from him like he has tried to. All I want is 50/50 custody and a chance to start a new life and make an even better one for my babies. All funds will go directly for a lawyer and school and building a better life for my two angels who don't deserve to be in the middle of this mess.
This is me, on my knees, in front of God and all of you, just praying for a miracle. Please find it in your heart to help a desperate mother.
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In 2014 their father and I separated after a 7 year long, rocky and abusive relationship. I really tried to be everything that he needed. I know that I was lacking in in some departments. (I mean who likes cleaning anyway?!) I'd met him when I was just 18. Lily was born when I was just barely 20. The first time he hit me she was just over 1 year old. And it happened over a tater tot.
A. Tater. Tot.
He split my eyebrow open and smashed my glasses with ONE backhand across the face.
Over a tater tot.
Through years of mental, emotional and physical abuse I lost myself. I'd always had a dream of one day owning a boarding kennel but they were tossed aside so we could focus on his need to build his own business. (Which is now thriving.)
Due to complete lack of knowledge and understanding of state laws and no self esteem to be found, I'm now in a mess of a custody battle. Before we had entered court he had agreed upon 50/50 legal and physical custody. But once finding out that if I applied for state assistance they could try for child support, he decided he wanted full custody. And he paid for a lawyer.
I had to face my abuser and his lawyer in court on my own. I've been doing my best with part time jobs that I can find. But I cannot afford a lawyer or the schooling I need in my field of interest.
I've tried legal aid and the resources that they've provided. But the pro bono lawyer is swamped (Imagine that!) and cannot take on anymore cases.
I am a great mother and I don't wish to take away the children from him like he has tried to. All I want is 50/50 custody and a chance to start a new life and make an even better one for my babies. All funds will go directly for a lawyer and school and building a better life for my two angels who don't deserve to be in the middle of this mess.
This is me, on my knees, in front of God and all of you, just praying for a miracle. Please find it in your heart to help a desperate mother.
Organiser
Jess Marie
Organiser
Wells, VT