Help Me Reunite With My Daughter and Fight for What’s Right

This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to write. I am a mother fighting to protect her daughter — and I’m asking for help as I face a legal and emotional battle I never expected.

On June 29, 2025, I was assaulted by my child’s father after I called him for help during a difficult parenting moment. I never yelled or put my hands on him. I simply asked concerning questions as a mother, and he responded with disrespect and aggression. He initiated a physical altercation — pushing and shoving me in front of both of my children — and left me bruised and shaken. He then fled the scene with our daughter and has refused to return her ever since.

This is not the first time he’s fled with her — but it is the third, and by far the longest. Unless something changes, it will have been over six weeks since I’ve been allowed to see my child by the time we return to court on August 14.

At our custody hearing on July 22, we were both told it would be pro se — no attorneys. I followed the court’s direction, but he arrived with legal representation, knowing that would delay the case. Because of that, I walked out of court empty-handed while he bought more time. I’ve done nothing to deserve this. I’ve never denied him access. I’ve only asked for respect, safety, and cooperation for the sake of our child.

This entire situation has taken a heavy emotional toll on both me and my older daughter, who is only 8 years old and misses her little sister deeply. She has cried and asked about her constantly, and it breaks my heart that this separation is hurting her too.

This is not about co-parenting. It’s about control and defamation of character. He is trying to paint me as someone I’m not — and it’s hurting both me and our child.

For those unfamiliar with North Carolina custody law: unless there’s a court order, custody is assumed to be 50/50. That means even when he refuses to return her or ignores my texts, the police can’t do anything except conduct a wellness check.

I’m a hard-working mother doing the best I can. I’ve created a stable home and life for my daughters, and I’ve always done what’s right — even when it’s been hard.

If you can donate, share, or offer support, it will help me retain legal help, submit what the court needs, and finally get my daughter back home.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

April J.