Safety for Domestic Violence Survivor

Seven years ago, my dear friend escaped from an abusive ex-spouse who continued to stalk, rob, and terrorize her after already serving time in jail from his earlier crimes against her. She had to move a thousand-plus miles away so that she and her children could have the opportunity to heal from their trauma and rebuild their lives in a safe space.

He has recently found them and has moved just a few miles down the road from her. My friend’s address is not public. Rather, it is completely confidential, made so by the state Address Confidentiality Program. The ACP is a program in many states designed to protect victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes.

It has been more than a decade that my friend has been trying to get away from this man and move on with her life. However, even having protective orders in place to keep her and her children from harm for all of 10 years, he continues to terrorize them. Recently he has attempted to break into their home and there have been several other direct interactions that the police are aware of. From day to day, they are living in unimaginable fear and uncertainty.

The family is working with a team of police, women’s shelters, and security professionals, but she needs our help in covering hefty expenses for the things that will ultimately keep her and her children safe:

-An alarmed security system

-Video cameras

-Construction on areas of the home for enhanced safety

-Monthly subscriptions to security systems

-Therapy

-Food & board at safe locations

-Lost wages and income

As you can imagine, the above safety and security needs are an unexpected and enormous expense for a single mother who has limited resources.

I am not able to give out too many details about exactly what measures are going to be in place because that could compromise the tactics advised by her team of experts. And obviously, I cannot share the identity of my friend, who is humbly accepting my help, even though she is an amazingly strong and resilient woman who has proven time and time again that she can take care of herself, and one who doesn’t like to think of herself as a victim. Her fortitude inspires me greatly.

“Just because you leave an abuser, you are not safe,” she said to me the other day. “We are a living example of the myth that leaving is enough.” I have also heard her say numerous times that she hopes to make it out of this alive -- a startling statement that exemplifies the urgency behind my request for your help.

It happens to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I know someone who needs our help now, and I envision us all encircling her with a loving network of support. My hope is that these resources that you and I help build together will allow my friend and her children to be safe in their home and provide crucial evidence that will put this dangerous man behind bars. Please consider joining me with your contribution. Any amount will help and be much appreciated.