I’ve come to the point where I’ve decided to go public for the first time about my son’s (and my) abuser, and the court case pending between us. Please read, forward, and if it is within your means, consider supporting us during this difficult time. Anything helps and is greatly appreciated.
In 2017, my son’s father (my partner at the time) became physically violent towards me and our newborn. By the time our son was three months old, my then-partner, who regularly choked and even bit both of us, had fractured three of our son’s ribs and induced a brain-bleed. I received black eyes from being head-butted, and in one instance was thrown out, barefoot with nothing, onto the street.
Eventually, after contacting the police on several occasions, the state of Texas charged my then-partner with continuous family violence and injury to a child with intent to harm. His parents, who are very wealthy, managed to secure him extraordinary legal representation. After repeatedly resetting the court date over the course of two years, his legal team eventually accepted a plea bargain in December (2019) for reckless endangerment of a child; the other charge, pertaining to the continuous violence he committed against me, was dropped. Despite multiple police reports, audio recordings, photo evidence and medical records, he was slapped on the wrist with two weekends in jail (the judge, for whatever reason, didn’t want his sentence to interfere with his work life), placed on an eight-year probation, and ordered to pay child support, which has never arrived.
This brings us to our current case: In March, my abuser served me with a suit pursuing visitation rights and eventual joint custody. It turns out that the protective order currently in place, which I believed covered both me and my son, was only extended to me. Not only were we not given justice, we also don’t have the luxury of peace of mind to truly move on from our shared trauma.
Shortly after being served, I met with his most recent girlfriend, in an attempt to warn her about his violent history. To my dismay she informed me that she, too, had suffered physical abuse by him. After begging on my son’s behalf, I was unable to convince her to file a police report.
I’ve finally found a qualified lawyer who is capable of taking on our abuser and the legal team for which his parents have (again) paid good money. He charges a $3,500 retainer fee, and $350/hr. All proceeds will go towards covering legal fees and court costs, which at the moment I cannot afford (like millions of Americans, I have been searching for work since March). The lawyer told me to expect a battle and I need to be ready to fight for my son.
Please consider supporting my son and I however you can. Anything (monetary aid, exposure, legal advice, etc.) will be deeply appreciated. Much love.
In 2017, my son’s father (my partner at the time) became physically violent towards me and our newborn. By the time our son was three months old, my then-partner, who regularly choked and even bit both of us, had fractured three of our son’s ribs and induced a brain-bleed. I received black eyes from being head-butted, and in one instance was thrown out, barefoot with nothing, onto the street.
Eventually, after contacting the police on several occasions, the state of Texas charged my then-partner with continuous family violence and injury to a child with intent to harm. His parents, who are very wealthy, managed to secure him extraordinary legal representation. After repeatedly resetting the court date over the course of two years, his legal team eventually accepted a plea bargain in December (2019) for reckless endangerment of a child; the other charge, pertaining to the continuous violence he committed against me, was dropped. Despite multiple police reports, audio recordings, photo evidence and medical records, he was slapped on the wrist with two weekends in jail (the judge, for whatever reason, didn’t want his sentence to interfere with his work life), placed on an eight-year probation, and ordered to pay child support, which has never arrived.
This brings us to our current case: In March, my abuser served me with a suit pursuing visitation rights and eventual joint custody. It turns out that the protective order currently in place, which I believed covered both me and my son, was only extended to me. Not only were we not given justice, we also don’t have the luxury of peace of mind to truly move on from our shared trauma.
Shortly after being served, I met with his most recent girlfriend, in an attempt to warn her about his violent history. To my dismay she informed me that she, too, had suffered physical abuse by him. After begging on my son’s behalf, I was unable to convince her to file a police report.
I’ve finally found a qualified lawyer who is capable of taking on our abuser and the legal team for which his parents have (again) paid good money. He charges a $3,500 retainer fee, and $350/hr. All proceeds will go towards covering legal fees and court costs, which at the moment I cannot afford (like millions of Americans, I have been searching for work since March). The lawyer told me to expect a battle and I need to be ready to fight for my son.
Please consider supporting my son and I however you can. Anything (monetary aid, exposure, legal advice, etc.) will be deeply appreciated. Much love.
Organizer
Taylor Martin
Organizer
Houston, TX