My name is Ramune; I am an immigrant stay-at-home mom of two from Lithuania who came to the United States in March 2017.

In the past couple of years, my spouse, law enforcement, and the court of law have abused me, and I am currently in a situation that limits my freedom of speech...

Despite having lots of proof to show, I am afraid sharing some details will upset people who can control others, especially immigrants like myself.

I've been repeatedly threatened, bullied, harassed, stalked, diminished, humiliated, betrayed, traumatized, and the abuse continues to this day.

Please, reread all of those words, which all came from one person.

A person I loved, cared for, trusted and believed to be my everything on this side of the World.

Not only has he abused me, but he has also abused my mother.

He did not file for my social security when taking care of my immigration paperwork, so I couldn't work or get a driver's license. I was trapped in the house for four years because of this.

He lied about essential matters of any relationship and used me as a surrogate.

He staged and manipulated a domestic violence situation to put me in jail.

He has put me in jail the second time on his own will, only because there was a mistake in the system, a technicality, and the police officer could not talk him out of changing his mind.

He has been neglecting my health and our children's well-being.

He has not been living up to the immigration terms of support and limited my ways of earning an income.

He cheated on me, and he cheated the system, too.

The verdict I got in our divorce trial just a few days ago was so shocking even my attorney was speechless.

Not only I received an absurd amount of 372$ (for both children) in child support, but I can't even take my kids to Lithuania for a visit. I will have to pay the court and beg for mercy to possibly go out of the country to see our family overseas..

Shouldn't courtroom rulings be based on the truth, backed by evidence and law?

Not on the judge's personal feelings, attorneys they like or dislike or political agenda?

How was it ever okay for an immigrant with no right to work or drive, to support herself and her kids because her spouse refused to?

-I need to buy some groceries - could you take me to a store?

-I don't feel like it. Ask the neighbors.

The above scenario used to be my "normal"

I was too afraid and ashamed to speak for a long time and hoped the court would end this torture.

But now, I am done with being quiet, and I am here to speak up

And speak up loud

For all the people who are afraid to speak for themselves, afraid of their abusers, afraid to lose their children in so often corrupt, biased, broken system.

Because everyone knows there is something truly wrong with how the courts operate, making you question what liberty and justice are...

Below you can see the details from our divorce trial:

I am now afraid to be homeless. I am worried I will not be strong enough to stay motivated and productive.

I am so scared of my children's father potentially hurting me, and as much as I try to refuse to live in fear, constantly looking over my shoulder, it is really tough for me..

Because people who were supposed to protect you, law enforcement and the system - have failed us repeatedly, allowing my abuser to continue to hurt me, often using our children as a tool.

I know I am not the first woman to experience abuse from her partner, nor the first immigrant to be abused by the system.

All I want is safety, liberty, and the ability to heal, grow, and protect myself and my children.

Support keeps me strong. Kind words keep me strong. And most of all - the feeling I am not alone in this keeps me strong, too.

Encouraged by family, friends and neighbors who have seen my pain, comforted, sheltered, and to this very day continue to brush the tears away with their love and kindness, I finally feel somewhat comfortable asking for help in finding a way out, which is, unfortunately, looking to be very expensive.

I need the money to pay the attorney fees and the debts my husband has put me into, and take care of my mental and physical health.

Thank You in advance for every click, every share, and every good thought sent; I thank you with all of my heart.

Ramune

Venmo: @Ramune-Simonyte