My name is Jessica. I am a single mother to my 1-year-old son, whom I have raised completely on my own. I’ve provided for him financially and emotionally since birth, and he is my entire world. His father and I are no longer together, and I was granted a restraining order against him one year ago due to his violent and threatening behavior. That restraining order has now expired.

I want to renew the restating but because he lives in another state, it’ll be denied. However, I am terrified for our safety. His behavior — and that of his family — has been aggressive, controlling, and dangerous. They have made it clear they want to take my son from me, take him out of state, and raise him themselves. His mother raised him and his sibling, who both have a history of violence, and I fear deeply for the kind of environment they would expose my child to.

I have full responsibility for my son’s care. I’ve done everything to keep him safe, healthy, and loved. The father has not contributed financially or emotionally and has a history of threats, intimidation, and weapon possession. During the restraining order, law enforcement confiscated his firearms. He is now attempting to have those weapons returned. I fear that if he regains access to his guns, he may harm me or my son.

I do not have the financial resources to hire an attorney, but I am doing everything I can to protect my child. I am asking for help to keep us safe — legally and physically. I’m scared, but I will not stop fighting for my son’s well-being.

Please help me get justice and get full custody of my son. I have videos and more pictures of the abuse that I cannot post.