Help Natalie Save Her Family

For two years I have tried to protect myself and my children without success.

I worry no one will listen until it's too late.

September 9, 2019 I found myself stranded in the desert, 20 miles from the nearest town. I had no shoes on, I only had my phone which was almost dead. I’d called my brother in a panic, doing my best to explain where I was. I was unfamiliar with the area. All I could do was read signs around me and say “I’m somewhere in Emery County”. My brother felt confident he could find me, started making the 3 hour trip from his house, and told me not to get in the car if Michael came back for me.

I sat on a rock for two and ½ hours trying to ignore the occasional passing car; crossing my fingers no one would recognize me or stop. I felt humiliated and terrified. Originally I felt so embarrassed I declined help when a DNR officer found me; but changed my mind so I could continue waiting for my brother in a truck with A/C, and probably drink some water.

This guy was my wake up call. His concern grew as I answered more questions. There were moments when he didn’t know what to say without overstepping. But it was written all over his face, he’d seen this before. Eventually he said “this guy is bad news”, and I remembered a promise I’d made to myself six months earlier. If my children and I are in danger, I will leave. It was time.

I didn’t have complete faith in the court system, but rightfully I had confidence. The facts were on my side. He had four DUIs, domestic violence in the presence of a minor, he’d tried to break into my house via the window a month after I left him, he’d been kicked out of rehab, official diagnosis for amphetamine psychosis caused by drinking heavily while taking adderall, he was fired yet again after his fourth DUI, and those were just a few things I could prove. Compared to me, on a path to becoming a chemist, with no records indicating substance abuse, violence, instability or

criminal activity. Asking for a protective order, and that he have supervised visitation with our

two year old twins seemed completely reasonable.

I was mistaken. I had underestimated the influence of money, bias, distortion of events, and Michael’s experience navigating the legal system. Somehow Michael continues to be seen as a victim within the court system. For two years I have tried to protect myself and my children without success. I have taken all advice from profesionals; exhausted all paths available to me, only to be brushed off and ignored by court officials. I worry no one will listen until it's too late.

The more I fail the more confident Michael becomes, and the abuse escalates. My children are physically neglected at his house. I'm constantly harrassed by him. He uses our children as pawns.

We’ve reached a point in our divorce where my only option is to force a trial, and that will cost a lot of money. In the words of my lawyer “It’ll cost at least $15,000 up to $20,000 to do it right”.

If you cannot donate money but you’d like to show support, you can provide a written statement,

dated and signed, and send it to [email redacted]

Written statements can serve as character witness

statements from those who have known me, past or present. (a reference in support of my

character, integrity etc, maybe an example that comes to mind, how long you’ve known me).

Or they can provide your account of events relevant to this case (things you’ve witnessed first hand

that support my claims).

Above all, THANK YOU! No contribution is too small. Words of support and encouragement, just the fact that people believe me has meant the world, and given me a new sense of hope!

About me, if you’re interested. I’m currently working for a chemistry lab in SLC mainly doing clerical work. I am also going to school full time, pursuing a degree in chemistry. If everything goes according to plan, I will graduate with my MS in Chemistry by 2024. From there I plan to work in research and development; developing industrial products where I work

currently, or pharmaceutical products. I am driven to provide a safe, stable and consistent life for

my children independently. I am a mother to the most beautiful, good natured, happy twin boys

on the planet; and I would move mountains to help them reach their full potential.