Escaping Domestic Abuse
Donation protected
I have a dear friend who has recently escaped domestic violence; however her fight for freedom has only just begun…
On Sunday June 10 she was physically abused in front of her four year old son. On Monday June 11, she made the bravest choice in her life when she sought and was granted a temporary order of protection for herself, their son, and her daughter against her abusive husband of almost seven years. She has used this time to secure a new residence and move her and her children out of the place they used to call home. With the help of a few friends and relatives, she left more than half of her life’s belongings behind and has acquired used and donated furnishings for the transition. Her son’s mattress still sits on the floor while she continues to search for a twin bed frame.
Now, the struggle begins to support her family on a single income; a mere third of what the household earnings used to be. She is already scraping together the funds for daycare and rent. Now she must secure a $2500 legal retainer fee. Her and her children cannot begin to heal until this is over.
This is your friend. Your neighbor. Your co-worker. Your sister. Your niece. Your cousin. Your daughter. This is the person who you thought had it all. The picture perfect life. The nicest husband. The biggest house. The newest clothes. The fanciest vacations.
This is the person who was hiding in secret. Blaming herself. Making excuses.
Please help her family as they begin to rebuild a life they deserve.
On Sunday June 10 she was physically abused in front of her four year old son. On Monday June 11, she made the bravest choice in her life when she sought and was granted a temporary order of protection for herself, their son, and her daughter against her abusive husband of almost seven years. She has used this time to secure a new residence and move her and her children out of the place they used to call home. With the help of a few friends and relatives, she left more than half of her life’s belongings behind and has acquired used and donated furnishings for the transition. Her son’s mattress still sits on the floor while she continues to search for a twin bed frame.
Now, the struggle begins to support her family on a single income; a mere third of what the household earnings used to be. She is already scraping together the funds for daycare and rent. Now she must secure a $2500 legal retainer fee. Her and her children cannot begin to heal until this is over.
This is your friend. Your neighbor. Your co-worker. Your sister. Your niece. Your cousin. Your daughter. This is the person who you thought had it all. The picture perfect life. The nicest husband. The biggest house. The newest clothes. The fanciest vacations.
This is the person who was hiding in secret. Blaming herself. Making excuses.
Please help her family as they begin to rebuild a life they deserve.
Organizer and beneficiary
Chandra Dempsey Oakland
Organizer
Port Byron, IL
Kelly Heaton
Beneficiary
