Please help a friend and mother escape abuse

*Disclaimer* This is a fundraiser for an abuse survivor who is still living with her abuser. To guard against the risk of the abuser finding out about this campaign, I ask that you please not forward this to any men in Seattle. The only goal of this fundraiser is to keep my friend safe. However: please feel free to send this to as many people who do not fit that description as you'd like!

Thank you for your discretion, and if you have any questions at all, please don't hesitate to message me directly.

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A close friend of mine has been on an incredible journey.

In February 2015, she suddenly awakened to her husband's abusive behavior. She realized that the way he yelled, how rough he was with their children, and the many other ways that he would threaten, intimidate, and control the family was not normal, and was not ok. For seven years, she had been living in a secret situation that, tragically, many women in this country suffer under.

I'm thrilled to share that today, my friend has a concrete plan to leave this terrifying home and be free. There is of course a lot of tough road ahead - which is where we come in.

According to the professionals who are guiding her through this process, my friend must minimize the chance for violence by:

1. moving out while her husband is away from the house

2. waiting to file for divorce until she is out of the house

Right now she's on step 1, with an eye on a pleasant home outside of Seattle. She and her two children would share the house with other compassionate families who are familiar with and respectful of their plight. To make this newfound freedom a reality, she needs $1,000 and a ton of courage. She's already got the courage.

Like many women coming out of long, abusive relationships, my friend's financial autonomy has been wiped out. Her husband is in control of their household and their finances, so she needs a boost to get out on her own two feet.

We can make an unquantifiable difference in the lives of a mother and two small children. If you aren't able to donate money toward her $1,000 goal, then any prayers and words of strength would be much appreciated.

Thank you. In love and solidarity,

Amanda

A couple of final notes:

To protect my friend's anonymity during this sensitive time, all of the money will go through me first, and then straight to her. Together, we will keep you updated about her progress!

And if you're interested in learning more about abusive patterns in relationships, Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft is a great book.