Help a Victim of Domestic Violence Fight Legal Abuse

URGENT AND TIME SENSITIVE:

My friend Leah has been a victim of domestic violence for the past 3 years. She is now being sued by her alleged abuser for possession of her home. Her alleged abuser has a history of assault with past girlfriends, including hospitalization and strangulation. On top of his alleged sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, and against the advice of countless professionals, her alleged abuser has intentionally chosen a legal route in order to further abuse by causing financial hardship, distress, and intimidation. Her alleged abuser is financially privileged and it is highly common for abusers to weaponize the legal system against their victims.

This legal process in particular is extremely complex and expensive and is not possible to navigate without legal representation. Legal aid in this process is unfortunately not an option. Your donation will contribute to her ability to retain legal representation and provide her with a fair chance to finally break free from this devastating relationship. As some you may know, when a survivor leaves their abusive relationship, they threaten the power and control their partner has established over the survivor's agency. This often causes the abuser to retaliate in harmful ways. As a result, leaving the relationship is often the most dangerous period of time for survivors of abuse.

Please consider donating to my friend Leah, especially if you have encouraged or enabled her alleged abuser in the past. Abusers intentionally isolate their victims within a community in which they have influence. Leah has worked tirelessly to stand up and confront the truth, not just for herself but for the good of the community. All while maintaining her sobriety, empathy, and sense of humor.

Watching her tenderness and creativity just get sucked out of her as she endures so much unnecessary distress is tormenting to watch. She has felt silenced and hopeless, and I’m in utter desperation trying to help restore her faith in people and this community. She deserves a chance to heal and to flourish. Please help Leah escape this nightmare.

I know there is an overwhelming amount of causes that deserve financial contribution. But if you cannot contribute financially, please take a moment to acknowledge the ways we as a community have enabled abusers. Let us have the courage to see the truth. Most importantly, please consider the ways that we can support and uplift victims of abuse. What's happening on a small scale within our communities is directly connected to what is happening on a large scale within our society, government, and on the world stage. This work makes a difference.

Alternative ways to help:

-Educate yourself! Did you know that strangulation is considered the highest predictor of murder? If your partner has strangled you in the past, your risk of being killed by them is 10 times higher. https://www.thehotline.org

-Share and promote this fundraiser.

-Unfollow abusers on social media. Demonstrating a firm stance against any violence against women goes a long way in de-platforming abusers.

-End victim blaming. Learn to recognize it and open a dialogue with those who are engaging in victim blaming.

-Promote a culture of accountability.