Quote from my son in the picture: ‘If I have to see my dad, I will change my name and move to Antarctica.’

I am a survivor of domestic violence, and for the past two years, I have been fighting to protect myself and my three boys from an abuser. The pictures show some of the injuries my son has sustained at the hands of his father. To date, I have spent everything I have in legal fees trying to protect my kids. My job was just terminated and all my savings are gone. I have called and messaged every legal help and domestic violence organization and there are no resources available. I am out of options. Please consider helping donate any amount you can to help me protect my kids.

Here’s more of the story:

In 2022, I made the difficult decision to leave my husband after he pinned an eight-year-old child against the wall at a birthday party. This child was a party goer and not his child!

Despite giving him a second chance, he bruised our son a second time in January 2024. That was when I knew I had to get an order of protection for myself and my children. Since then, my ex has continued to fight for custody, and I have had to defend my children in court, submitting a 20-page rebuttal with evidence and photos of abuse. In October 2025, the judge granted me temporary full legal and physical custody until our divorce has been finalized. The judge also assigned a guardian ad litem to the case to represent the ‘best interest of the children’. However, when the report came out, it listed that my ex said, ‘the effect of the domestic violence assault on the children more so comes from Kristi getting afraid easily.’ In addition, the report misrepresented interviews and ignored the evidence I provided. Multiple lawyers have told me I need to keep fighting for my kids in court because the report is so full of errors. My ex’s lawyer is taking advantage of my job loss situation and pushing for a court hearing as soon as possible. I am desperate to keep my children safe and need help to continue this fight.

Friends, Family and anyone who has a heart for the safety of kids and people escaping domestic violence, I'm begging everyone to consider giving any little bit to help me fight for my kids' safety. I am exhausted and desperate after 4 years of fighting. Please help me and my children to make it over the finish line to a safe future. I love you all and I appreciate you. -Kristi

PS If you prefer, you can Venmo me as well @kristi-clay-4