(name/identifying information has been changed for safety reasons)

Hi.

March 2026 –

Real Progress Update: I've Shifted the Dynamic at Home – Ready for the Final Step to Safe Independence

Thank you again to the 23 early donors—your support literally kept hope alive during the hardest parts. Over the past two years, I've done deep work in trauma-informed counseling and online survivor support groups. I've gained tools to spot coercive patterns, heal my own triggers, and set boundaries that stick.

Key changes inside the home: A clear verbal separation agreement that's being fully respected.

No more of the old control cycles— the environment is calmer and more stable for my daughter and me.

Firmer boundaries in place, guided by my counselor every step.

We're still cohabitating only as a short-term, controlled bridge while I close the financial gap. The system here doesn't recognize coercive, psychological, or financial abuse as grounds for quick intervention without physical evidence, so shelters, police, and courts couldn't provide the immediate leverage I needed. I've exhausted those options and documented everything safely.

Now it's a self-directed plan: build savings independently so we can move out on our terms, without waiting for escalation or more roadblocks. Big win this year—I've connected with a reliable case worker at a local agency helping craft a realistic employment path. (Last year's agency dropped the ball on communications and cost me a training scholarship, but I'm not letting that stop me.)

This isn't stagnation—it's strategic preparation with professional guidance. I won't stop until my daughter and I have safe, private housing.

Breakdown of needs:

Every dollar—$5, $10, whatever you can—adds up quickly and gets us closer. Past donors: your early belief meant the world—thank you from the bottom of my heart!

We're in the home stretch. Your help is the key to our peaceful new chapter.

With deep gratitude.

J.D. (anonymous for safety reasons)

Here is what some of my friends wanted to say:

"(name redacted) is my friend. I have seen firsthand his behavior. I have found him to be impolite; he interrupts conversations loudly and boldly. He has no respect for boundaries, lacks accountability and responsibility for his behavior, and plays the victim card." (KR)

"I have known (name redacted) for several years. What I know for sure is that she is courageous in every way: in speaking her truth to withstanding the unthinkable abuse she has been subject to, to being a mama bear when it comes to protecting and supporting her young daughter. She is stronger than she knows, rising again and again, like the phoenix from the fire. In my opinion, she deserves immense support to aid her in leaving an untenable, destructive marriage and in establishing a safe, loving home for herself and for her daughter.” (DG)

In the 7 years I’ve known (name redacted), I have found her to be a caring friend, a loving mother, and a tenacious spiritual warrior. I have heard her husband abruptly yelling (through the phone) over what should have been trivial matters. His tone is loud and jarring. (name redacted) has requested prayers and funds for me when I was in need, as I know she has for others. If you can pay it forward, I know it would be a huge blessing for her and her daughter.” (LH)

(Name redacted) has shared with me the treatment from her husband that she has endured for many years, and no one should have had to put up with being treated like that and having to walk on eggshells because of not knowing what will set him off. I have found (name redacted) to be genuine and honest, and I'm honored to have her as a friend and to be communicating with her. Please help support (name redacted) and her daughter so they can be able to leave and live a normal life free of stress, ridicule, and abuse.

(PL)