Help Mary Rebuild After Family Crisis

Hi, my name is Amanda and I’ve created this fundraiser to support my dear friend Mary (name changed for safety), who is going through an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking time.

Mary has endured ongoing physical and emotional abuse from her 16-year-old daughter, Dee (also a changed name), who has Autism, an intellectual disability, and other complex needs. Despite Mary’s repeated pleas for help, the system has failed her. Due to Dee’s intellectual disability, she cannot be charged, and the police are unable to enforce an Intervention Order.

Out of desperation and to protect herself and others, Mary made the gut-wrenching decision to relinquish her parental rights. She is now in hiding, seeking safety and trying to rebuild her life.

Dee caused significant damage to the home — so severe that it is currently unlivable. Every window was smashed, every internal door damaged and needs replacing, and there are numerous holes beaten into the walls of the house which will need repair. While Mary received some assistance with relocating, there is no available support to repair the home because the damage was caused by a child. Unfortunately, most domestic violence services are geared toward partner abuse, leaving families like Mary’s with nowhere to turn.

We are asking for donations to help cover the costs of repairing the property, so Mary can begin to recover and rebuild.

Any funds raised beyond what is needed for Mary’s home will go toward helping other families in similar situations — families who are falling through the cracks of a system not built to support them.

Every donation, no matter the size, will help bring safety, stability, and hope back into Mary’s life — and shine a light on a deeply overlooked issue.

Thank you for your kindness, support, and willingness to help.

— Amanda

(All names have been changed for privacy)