Hi, my name is Mariah Patricia. I’m a solo mum, a domestic violence survivor, and someone who’s always tried to advocate for people who don’t have a voice. I like to think of myself as strong and resilient, but honestly, right now I don’t feel like either of those things.

I’m a law-abiding citizen. I speak the truth and live a quiet life. I work full-time as a trainer in civil construction, helping disengaged youth and disadvantaged adults find a new path. It’s not the highest-paying job, but I love what I do. It gives me purpose. I put everything into helping others build better futures, and now I’m in a position where I need help myself.

I really didn’t want to make this. I’ve avoided it for as long as I could because asking for help doesn’t come naturally to me. But I’ve found myself caught in a legal situation I never expected, and the system that’s meant to protect people like me just isn’t right now.

I’m currently not protected at all. I’ve done everything I’m supposed to do. I reached out to free legal services, but because of a conflict of interest, I’m not eligible for support. That’s left me in a position where I have to cover all legal costs on my own, while trying to raise my child, work full-time, and keep life as stable as possible.

I also want to start therapy to help manage everything emotionally. Between the stress, pressure, and trying to stay strong for my little boy, I’ve reached the point where I just can’t do it all by myself anymore.

Because of the legal situation I’m in, I’m not allowed to talk about it in full. I wish I could, but I’m legally bound from saying more. What I can say is that I’m doing everything I can to protect my peace, stand up for myself, and give my son the safety and stability he deserves.

I do have some savings. I’ve been slowly putting money away for the past few years with one goal in mind: to finally leave the house I’ve been stuck in since escaping a emotional and psychological damaging relationship. That house holds a lot of painful memories, and I’ve been working so hard to eventually move somewhere fresh, where I can rebuild and start over. But now, with legal costs piling up, I’ll have to use that money just to get through this — and even then, it still won’t be enough.

I don’t want to start from zero all over again. I just want to move forward, break the cycle, and build a peaceful life for me and my son.

If you’re able to help in any way, whether it’s financially or just by sharing this, it honestly means the world. Every cent will go toward legal costs, therapy, and trying to get through this really hard time.

Thank you so much for reading. Truly.