On June 22, 2025 I received a call at 5am from Emily. She was crying, shaking, locked in her bathroom and asking me to come get her after she was assaulted. On July 22, 2025 I accompanied her to court where she was asking for a protective order against her assailant. He arrived with two criminal defense attorneys standing by his side and my heart ached as I watched from the back of the court room as Emily stood alone.
She is, without a doubt, the bravest person I know. She has overcome adversity at every obstacle in her life, and trust me there has been plenty. I've never seen her fall short of a goal she's set for herself and now she is choosing to find legal representation so she can secure a protective order. Read her story in her own words below:
I never thought I would be sharing this incredibly vulnerable moment but here it goes:
I am currently pursuing an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) against someone who sexually assaulted me last month.
I've done everything right: I got a SANE exam that documented the injuries he caused. I'm filing a police report. I'm showing up, telling the truth, and asking the court for protection.
At our first court date, he showed up with not 1, not 2, but possibly 3 criminal defense attorneys. Yes, that's correct 2 to 3 criminal defense attorneys for CIVIL court. I am not seeking criminal charges. I just want to have a restraining order and a few safe places where I know he can't show up but even that is being fought.
Now I have another hearing in six weeks.
But legal help is expensive. I live entirely on my own. I'm a full-time college student, working hard to build a future. I pay for everything myself through work, scholarships, and student aid. I've always taken pride in doing it all on my own but right now, I need help.
I never imagined I'd be fighting this kind of battle, let alone having to ask for help but I know this:
I deserve to be protected.
I deserve to be heard.
And I'm not letting this go quietly.
If you're able to donate or share my fundraiser, I would be very grateful. This isn't just about one court date. It's about reclaiming my safety and peace after he tried to take that from me.
Thank you for standing with me.