Hi, my name is Madison, and I’m an 18-year-old survivor of severe child abuse and domestic violence.

After years of enduring emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at home, I made the hardest decision of my life — to walk away and protect myself, even though it meant losing everything. Today, I am living in a homeless shelter, trying to rebuild my life from the ground up.

Growing up, I faced constant cruelty and control from my father — my privacy, safety, and dignity were taken from me. I lived in fear every day, and the people who were supposed to love and protect me only deepened my pain from being molested by my step father. Even after I escaped, I continued to experience violence and sexual assault in a later relationship. Those experiences taught me the painful but powerful truth that no one should ever have to rely on someone who uses power to hurt them.

Leaving meant choosing freedom over fear — but it also meant starting with nothing. I lost my home, my sense of safety, and even my family’s support. I’m still facing backlash from relatives who refuse to understand or acknowledge the reality of the abuse I survived.

I’m now focusing on healing from trauma and PTSD through therapy and EMDR, and working toward stability so I can build a new, independent life. My immediate goal is to raise $80,000 to help me:

• Secure safe and stable housing

• Cover essential living costs while I get on my feet

• Afford therapy and trauma treatment to heal deeply

• Begin laying the groundwork for my long-term dream

My dream is to one day create a nonprofit that helps victims of child and domestic abuse emotionally and financially — especially those who feel trapped, alone, or silenced. I also want to use my voice to become a social media advocate for survivors, helping others find the courage to leave and rebuild, just like I am trying to do now.

This is the beginning of my story — not the end of it. I’m determined to turn my pain into purpose and create a life that honors the little girl who deserved safety, love, and kindness.

If you can, please consider donating or sharing my story. Every contribution, no matter the size, is a step toward stability, healing, and a future where I can give back to others who are still trapped in the darkness I escaped.

Thank you for believing in me and helping me build the future I’ve always wanted.

With love and gratitude,

Madison