Urgent: Help a Domestic Violence Survivor & Kids Flee Abuse

Of all the things I have imagined in life, I must unequivocally say that what has happened in the past few months was something I never thought remotely possible. My friend, a domestic violence survivor, needs your help so she can have a safe place to continue her fight in court for custody of her two brilliant and adorable sons against her ex-husband and his sister.

This is one of the most gut-wrenching situations I've ever encountered; to call it an understatement is an understatement in itself. She is a survivor of abuse, not only from her ex-husband but also from his friend, who took advantage of and then abused her. Despite enduring such unimaginable things, she now faces the threat of homelessness but remains resilient and vigilant in her fight to regain stability and secure a safe future by protecting her children from further harm.

This means she is embroiled in a custody battle with her ex-husband and his sister, desperately striving to protect her children from individuals with a documented history of harmful behavior that is deeply concerning for their safety.

Being a survivor, the area she was forced into, along with her compounding trauma and distress, is working against her, actively hindering her access to local resources and leaving her isolated, alienated, and silenced from speaking up.

Imagine the unimaginable: fighting to protect your children from harm, battling the trauma of past abuse, all with zero resources. She is facing this reality every single day and the place she lives is a constant, painful reminder of that. She is currently living on an incredibly limited income of just $200 per month and is at risk of homelessness by the end of March.

Since November, 2024, she has exhausted all resources on legal fees and preparation, and is now fighting for survival. She has nobody to turn to for help. Due to legal reasons, I cannot share the details of her case, but I can emphasize that she is one of the most resilient survivors of unspeakable and unimaginable things.

As the dedicated primary caregiver for their children, she was financially dependent on her ex-husband, who deliberately restricted her access to funds throughout their relationship. She now struggles to survive on a mere $200 a month. This is simply not enough, leaving her on the brink of homelessness as her current location offers no viable employment opportunities nor resources.

This is where we come in.

We are asking for your help to give her the fighting chance she deserves. Every dollar donated will go directly towards securing a safe home for her and her children, with any remaining funds that are above the goal, to be allocated towards legal expenses. She has a proactive plan and a strong drive to seek employment in a more promising area, far from her current isolating circumstances. This will give her the fighting chance she needs to help protect herself and her family from further harm.

This support will cover:

• Safe Housing: We aim to secure a stable home for her and her two sons. While budgeting conservatively, $6,000 would cover approximately 75-80% of the initial rent and associated costs, providing her with the crucial stability needed to have safety, to protect her kids, and to find employment.

• Legal Support: Any funds exceeding the housing goal will be directly allocated to her legal expenses, ensuring she can continue her fight for custody and protection of her children.

I encourage you to read an article titled, ‘Confirmed: Custody Courts Fail Children’ by Barry Goldstein to gain more insight into the struggles of domestic violence and custody battles.

Your donation, no matter the size, can make a tangible difference in her and her children's lives. It can be the lifeline she desperately needs to break free from this cycle of abuse and fear, and to create a safe and loving home for her children.

You can help save my amazing friend by giving her a fighting chance and providing her with a much safer place to live. If you are unable to donate or don't feel comfortable doing so, I understand. However, I urge you to consider the loved ones in your own life. Please be more attentive, ask more questions, and strive to ensure they feel loved and supported. At the very least, it would mean the world to her if you could share this campaign with your friends, family, and social networks. She needs love and support more than anyone I have ever met. Our campaign aims to support her, empower her to protect her children, and help her reclaim her life. Please cherish your family and loved ones and never take them for granted.