Help a Community Member and Her Children Escape Abuse

I am writing on behalf of a dear friend and colleague who is currently in the midst of a horrific legal battle with their pathologically abusive ex-husband. I am using a pseudonym to protect her identity. In 2021 despite fear of retaliation and physical violence, Maggie left her husband with her two young children. With help from the Women’s Freedom Center, currently the only resource available for women in her position. Despite clear and overwhelming evidence of severe physical abuse and control, her ex was granted visitation and contact with their children. Nothing was put in place to protect Maggie and her girls. To date, her ex has taken her to court on a nearly monthly basis, racking up thousands of dollars in legal fees for Maggie to continue his abuse and break her spirit. This summer, after years of this rollercoaster, she filed using the abusive litigation law (which did nothing) and obtained a restraining order. Unfortunately, this has not deterred her ex-husband. His financial situation allows him to continue to file with the court system, continuing to destabilize and abuse Maggie. I want to be clear, I am extremely worried about her safety. I do not wish to wait around, being correct in my fear would have dire consequences. I have witnessed the repercussions of remaining silent and doing nothing. This man has proven that he is willing to harm this family any way he can, physically, and emotionally with threats, stalking, and through the court system. I am in awe of Maggie's bravery, strength, and resilience. It is absurd that in 2024 women continue to face abuse and in the worst-case scenarios lose their lives, no matter how damning the evidence. Maggie is a hardworking and dedicated mother to her two girls. After years of this horrific cycle, she has been forced to put her education on hold, limiting her ability to access better-paying employment. She has been cut off from things most of us take for granted due to his continued erroneous lawsuits and allegations that are overturned by every singe judge at the countless hearings she has been forced to attend. Not to mention the real and ever-present threat of violence. This means, time away from work, loss of revenue, and the inability to have any semblance of normality for her family. This is to say nothing of the effect it has on her children. This process has been costly, grueling, and seemingly without end.

We are requesting funds to help cover lawyer fees, the price of the evaluations for her children, and pay bills that continue to pile up as this drags out. Additionally, Maggie needs funds to access in case her ex begins to act on his violent threats. I am sickened by the fact that so many women have lost their lives simply because they cannot afford to access safety. It is not lost on me that abusers use this knowledge to their advantage. You and I can ensure he is proven wrong and this family stays intact. I would love to see Maggie be able to resume her studies, maintain a consistent work schedule, and live a full life without the threat of harm to herself and her children. This should not be a luxury. $20,000