Aid Melissa's Family in Their Time of Need

My cousin, Melissa, and her two children are going through a traumatic family upheaval. I know my cousin as a loyal friend and dedicated mother. Melissa had no choice but to separate from her husband after 28 years together, after having suffered over many years from his emotional, financial and sometimes physical abuse. After an incident in January 2024 necessitated a restraining order to be enforced against her husband, she has been left to fend for herself and her children, which has led to considerable debt and left them in dire need for help to pay legal fees and everything involved in fighting for her and her daughters’ livelihood.

As many victims of abuse are, Melissa felt trapped for a long time but she is tireless in doing everything in her power to ensure the safety and well-being of her children and to enable them to move on with their lives. The legally required one year of separation has now been achieved, but she literally lacks the funds to proceed with the actual divorce court procedure. It has become impossible for Melissa to keep up with mounting bills as she is not receiving the typically received aid from her former partner and to punish her for leaving him, he is now trying to force her and the children from their home. The stress caused by these traumatic events has left its mark on Melissa's health as well, which has most recently resulted in her having to undergo thyroid surgery.

Melissa acknowledges that she is certainly not the first nor the last parent to experience such abuse and hardship and as a close family member, I have decided to help ensure she and her children get the fresh start they truly deserve.