Help family fleeing abusive spouse

****UPDATE****

Since the last update, mediation has failed and the abuser has repeatedly made false accusations and frivolous motions in an attempt to harass the family and exhaust their legal funds. We are moving towards a jury trial in the hopes that twelve laypeople will be less inclined to tolerate his behavior than the judge has been. What is needed now are funds for that and for a psychological evaluation that should help demonstrate the impact of the abuse for court. None of this is cheap and the unexpected costs of failed mediation and responses to his harassment have exhausted the family’s resources. Please share widely. Any amount helps.

***

We are fundraising on behalf of a mama friend with a young child who has been forced to flee their home after they and their children were physically threatened by their ex - who was convicted and served time for sexually assaulting our mama friend’s oldest child - and their ex’s family. 

The immediate need is for $5000 to retain an attorney. Additional funds are also needed to finalize the divorce, secure safe shelter, provide for the basic needs of the family as they settle into their new arrangement, and ensure the ex does not gain access to the younger child. 

Please help us assist this mama and their children.