A Fresh Start from Domestic Abuse
Donation protected
Please understand that every fiber of my being is cringing writing this. (me = Katy A.D. / DiSanto)
If you’re reading this, you might already be aware of my situation. If not: I’ve recently gone through the courts to escape 8 years of domestic abuse and violence at the hands of my alcoholic husband. There is a post detailing it on my Facebook and Instagram, which (to my bewilderment) has also been picked up by numerous media outlets, likely due to the notoriety of his band in the heavy metal community. Please be aware that it is accompanied by a graphic video.
I have provided links and photos at the bottom of this description.
While I’m relieved to report that the courts have issued and upheld a protection from abuse / eviction / no contact order for the next six weeks, this presents me with a whole new set of problems. I became financially dependent on him when I started my apprenticeship - I’m making below-poverty-level wages on variable tips despite working +/- 50 hours a week. It could be another six months to a year before I’m able to survive on my own (if that). I’ve filed for spousal support, but my hearing isn’t for another month, if it’s even granted. My current income won’t even cover my expenses for a week, let alone a month or more. I don’t qualify for government assistance because I don’t have any human children.
I’m also concerned because his family has CONSIDERABLE financial resources - whereas my family does not. He already complicated one court hearing by retaining an attorney at the last minute and requesting a continuance, something I could never afford. I’m terrified that if I try to file for actual divorce, his family will bury me in tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. If they choose, they could drag it out for months, even years, costing literal thousands of dollars just to spite me. Even if the courts ultimately rule in my favor, I could lose everything in the mean time.
But for now - my monthly expenses - mortgage, medical, utilities, groceries, dog and cat care, and household maintenance - would be about $2500. He also took my car keys when he was being evicted by the police, so I suddenly have no transportation and will need to pay extra for that also. I also just found out I need dental work for a filling that cracked and fell out.
I’ve been encouraged to start a GoFundMe page.. something I never in my life thought I would do.
I’m hoping to raise at least $4500 to cover expenses until my next court hearing on August 1st. Anything raised beyond that will go towards my eventual legal bills. If you know me, you know I live a very frugal and no-frills lifestyle. I just want to wrench myself free from this situation without losing the house I’ve worked so hard for and put years into making my own, to have access to my medications, to be able to eat, and take care of my(our) rescue animals.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I love you all very much.
Read the Facebook post (GRAPHIC VIDEO)
Read more on MetalSucks
If you’re reading this, you might already be aware of my situation. If not: I’ve recently gone through the courts to escape 8 years of domestic abuse and violence at the hands of my alcoholic husband. There is a post detailing it on my Facebook and Instagram, which (to my bewilderment) has also been picked up by numerous media outlets, likely due to the notoriety of his band in the heavy metal community. Please be aware that it is accompanied by a graphic video.
I have provided links and photos at the bottom of this description.
While I’m relieved to report that the courts have issued and upheld a protection from abuse / eviction / no contact order for the next six weeks, this presents me with a whole new set of problems. I became financially dependent on him when I started my apprenticeship - I’m making below-poverty-level wages on variable tips despite working +/- 50 hours a week. It could be another six months to a year before I’m able to survive on my own (if that). I’ve filed for spousal support, but my hearing isn’t for another month, if it’s even granted. My current income won’t even cover my expenses for a week, let alone a month or more. I don’t qualify for government assistance because I don’t have any human children.
I’m also concerned because his family has CONSIDERABLE financial resources - whereas my family does not. He already complicated one court hearing by retaining an attorney at the last minute and requesting a continuance, something I could never afford. I’m terrified that if I try to file for actual divorce, his family will bury me in tens of thousands of dollars in legal fees. If they choose, they could drag it out for months, even years, costing literal thousands of dollars just to spite me. Even if the courts ultimately rule in my favor, I could lose everything in the mean time.
But for now - my monthly expenses - mortgage, medical, utilities, groceries, dog and cat care, and household maintenance - would be about $2500. He also took my car keys when he was being evicted by the police, so I suddenly have no transportation and will need to pay extra for that also. I also just found out I need dental work for a filling that cracked and fell out.
I’ve been encouraged to start a GoFundMe page.. something I never in my life thought I would do.
I’m hoping to raise at least $4500 to cover expenses until my next court hearing on August 1st. Anything raised beyond that will go towards my eventual legal bills. If you know me, you know I live a very frugal and no-frills lifestyle. I just want to wrench myself free from this situation without losing the house I’ve worked so hard for and put years into making my own, to have access to my medications, to be able to eat, and take care of my(our) rescue animals.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I love you all very much.
Read the Facebook post (GRAPHIC VIDEO)
Read more on MetalSucks
Fundraising team (3)
Katy DiSanto
Organizer
Raised $530 from 19 donations
Philadelphia, PA
Evy Ramos
Team member
Raised $20 from 1 donation
Juliana Berry
Team member
