Fight Domestic Violence - Struggle For Education
Donation protected
Dear Supporters,
My name is Yonghao Wang, a freshman at UCSD majoring in Data Science, currently facing the most challenging period of my life. Today, I stand before you with courage, sharing my story of domestic violence, loss, and hope.
Since 2017, the shadow of domestic violence has loomed over my life. My father, who had been jailed for domestic violence, was incarcerated again this year for the same offense, missing my 18th birthday and my graduation ceremony. When he was released from prison in July, the violence and terror at home intensified.
This summer, to raise my tuition fees, I had to sell his commercial refrigerator, as he refused to pay my fees directly. He wanted me to sell his accumulated commercial refrigerators to save money for my tuition. This kept me busy throughout the summer, but I managed to do it. Once university started, I was forced to return home every weekend, facing physical and mental torment each time. My father, not speaking English, relied on me to handle everything. He would start drinking at noon, become irritable, and continue drinking into the night. Every interaction with him turned into abuse and mental torture. He often called me selfish, and once, after a bout of violence, he said, "I didn't hit you before you were 18 because I don't hit children, but now that you're 18, I can. If you make me angry again, we'll go to war."
This situation continued until November this year when I reached my limit. On Veterans Day, I didn't return home in the morning because I was too tired from going to the gym with a friend at 2 a.m. and wanted to sleep a bit more in my dorm. When I returned home in the afternoon, my father accused me of being selfish and not prioritizing the family. He demanded the $2,000 I had earned from selling the refrigerator and my car, both of which were in my name, and I had the title to the car. He threatened to have me jailed if I didn't comply, and fearing his financial power could make it happen, I succumbed.
I am an independent individual with my own needs and aspirations. I often wonder why I have to endure all this while other college students can freely pursue their dreams. Eventually, I was forced to sever ties with my family. Though it was a release for me, it also plunged me into financial difficulties.
I am now reaching out to you, hoping to raise $25,000 to cover my tuition and living expenses until I can stand on my own feet. I am working hard to earn a real estate agent's license, but until then, I urgently need your help.
Every donation, no matter how small, will be a tremendous force helping me move from the shadows into the light. I promise that once I am able to stand independently, I will use my experiences to help others facing similar difficulties.
Please help me spread my story, to step out of the shadow of domestic violence and move towards a future full of hope.
Thank you for your generosity and support.
Sincerely,
Yonghao Wang.
Organizer
Yonghao Wang
Organizer
San Diego, CA