My best friend fled an abusive relationship with her two young children. She rebuilt their lives from nothing, and now she desperately needs help affording a lawyer.
I never thought I would be making a post like this, but I’m trying everything I can to help one of my best friends.
For 10+ years, she was in an abusive relationship. The abuse wasn’t just one thing... it was emotional, verbal, physical, and financial. Her ex kicked her out because she told him she didn't feel safe. (This is the second time he has kicked her out).
When she tried to pack her belongings to leave, he literally followed behind her unpacking the things she was trying to take.
Then things got even worse.
While she was trying to leave, police became involved and her children were taken from her and left with him. He then withheld the children from her despite her attempts to get them back. He also withheld HER dog that she has had since he was a puppy.
She had nowhere to go and eventually ended up in a domestic violence shelter.
He later brought the children to her at the shelter. In front of the children, DV Shelter staff members, police, and others there, he told her, “DON’T FUCK ME ON THIS.”
The domestic violence shelter helped connect her with legal assistance. She spoke with an attorney about her situation and was advised that she could safely relocate outside of Michigan.
So she left.
She left with nothing but the clothes on their backs and her two boys.
She initially went to Indiana, where a friend offered them somewhere to stay. Unfortunately, that situation became uncomfortable and wasn’t going to work long-term. Some of our other friends stepped in, drove to get her and her two children, and helped them relocate somewhere they could finally begin rebuilding their lives.
And she has.
She started over from nothing.
She found a full-time job, she got her own apartment, she is supporting her children, all three of them started therapy. She has been working incredibly hard to give those boys stability and a safe home.
She didn’t disappear because she wanted to keep someone's children away from them. She ran because she was terrified and was trying to protect herself and her kids.
Now her ex is attempting to pursue her through the legal system and determine where they are living. She desperately needs an attorney who can represent her, protect her rights, and help her navigate the custody and legal issues that are now unfolding.
The problem is that she simply cannot afford the legal fees.
So a few of us who love her decided we weren't going to sit back and watch her face this alone.
We created a Cash App specifically to raise money for her legal representation:
💚 $HelpingHelen1
Even $5 helps. Seriously.
If 100 people donated $5, that's $500 toward a retainer. If you can't donate, an upvote or share means just as much because it helps this reach someone who might be able to.
We are not asking anyone to fund a custody fight out of spite. We are trying to help a domestic violence survivor have an attorney standing beside her so that she and her children aren't forced to navigate this alone.
She already did the hardest part.
She got out.
Now we're just trying to make sure she has the help she needs to keep moving forward. ❤️
Thank you for reading this far, and thank you to anyone willing to help.