Break Free from Abuse: Your Help Matters

Help Me Find Safety and Freedom from Abuse

Hello everyone,

I am reaching out to you in a time of deep need and vulnerability. There has been a dark secret in my life - that I have been living in an abusive marriage. The abuse has taken many forms, including emotional, psychological, and financial. Unfortunately, my children have also been exposed to this (as well as my husband's alcoholism, substance & pornography addiction) and suffered as a result.

For many years, he brainwashed me into believing I was at fault and a worthless human being. My autonomy, sense of self, mental health, and relationship with my children were horribly damaged. When I began to realize what was happening to me and tried to give my husband one last chance to seek treatment and fix our marriage, he escalated into physical abuse and intimidation. As I took steps to ensure the safety of my children and myself, the mountain of deception he had built for 20+ years began to unravel, and I realized I had been living a lie that entire time. Enduring this has been immensely damaging, and there were times I almost didn't make it. My children have also experienced mental health crises and needed acute mental health care. Without my quick intervention, we would have lost our son. But we are getting stronger with the support of family, friends, and an amazing mental health team.

My husband moved out last year and we began divorce proceedings a few months ago. While I was hopeful that the abuse would stop once he moved out and we could have a quick, inexpensive, and relatively amicable divorce, this has not been the case. As I have taken courageous steps to protect myself and my children, he has focused his attention on psychologically and medically harming them to maintain control of me. He has also continued to deceive and intimidate me regarding finances, even ignoring court orders to disclose financial information. I am worried about my ability to provide for my children given this long history of economic abuse and deceit, and I am concerned for their well-being while they are in his care.

I have been ashamed of the place I have found myself and the fact that I need help. I hoped to avoid expensive legal costs as I could not afford them and didn't wish to burden others with my problems. However, it has become clear that we need the protection of legal counsel.

I am leaving my marriage with no savings or long-term assets to help cover these costs due to the financial abuse & deceit. As I rebuild my life, I need assistance to cover the costs of legal fees, court related costs, and securing my home.

Your support, whether through donations or sharing this campaign, can make an immense difference. It can provide the foundation for a future free from fear and filled with hope.

Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your help is not just financial—it is a beacon of hope and strength.

With gratitude,

Summary of Expenses:

1. Attorney Costs $7,000

2. Court Appointed Child Family Investigator $850

3. Mediation $800

4. Vehicle Registration $2600 (while I'm able to barely cover our daily expenses, I am driving with an expired plate due to the high cost. This is the 2.5 years I owe.)

5. Medical (related to mental health) $800

6. Home security for 1 year + equipment $400

Total = $12,450

** I have used a pseudonym here & stock photo to help protect my identity. While I will be legally required to disclose funds I raise through this platform in my proceedings & will do so, I am trying to protect myself from retaliation from my husband, so have chosen to keep this fundraiser fairly anonymous for now. I am happy to verify my identity or answer any questions if you have them. Thank you for understanding. **