Her father got funding for that shelter so that no other woman would have to go begging for help and come away empty. Rep. Dave Reichert helped secure that funding because he’s been where your kids are. So, do NOT leave until they help you. If they refuse to help you, call Reichert’s campaign office.

The Judson Center should help you get into the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) which is fantastic. Don’t stress out about the order of protection. It’s just a piece of paper that gives the cops a short list of suspects if something happens to you. The courts in Pierce County absolutely, positively suck at protecting people from DV. Even if you could afford a lawyer, it probably wouldn’t alter the outcome in court.

You are going to have to move to join the ACP. My suggestion is that you get the hell out of Pierce County. Kathy Lambert on the King County Council kicks serious butt for domestic violence survivors. If you need funding for housing, ask the folks at the Judson Center how you can get a housing voucher ~ Shelter + Care can give you housing assistance that is much like Section 8 ~ except ~ landlords are way more willing to accept it. Catholic Charities frequently helps women with children.

I’m sorry, but I don’t have the time, energy, or resources to help individual people. I don’t even have transportation to get to you.

You’ve survived for 8 years because you must be resourceful and diligent. You will need those qualities in abundance. However, if you go in with a “poor me” control drama, you won’t get anywhere. Agencies are more inclined to help those who demonstrate a willingness to help themselves. You won’t be rescued, but you can get access to the resources that you need.

In closing, food banks suck. They are essentially garbage pails for grocery stores. I got so pissed off about the garbage I got at a local pantry that I took it directly to Jesse Jones at one of KING5′s food bank drives. He almost retched into my bag. But, KING5 still conspires in the fraud.

I hope these suggestions will help you. I have shared with you my best advice, and I know from personal experience that the system doesn’t always operate the way it should. You know this, but I feel I need to reinforce that you need to listen to your instincts. You really need to get the hell out of where you are and get to a place where he can’t find you. It isn’t easy. It isn’t cheap. It isn’t fun. Your kids need for you to be the best you can be. Remember this. Your kids need you.

God bless,
Anne Caroline

You’ve had a very powerful voice to end the silence ~ especially about litigation abuse. My heart grieves for the loss you suffered, and I admire greatly what you have done to make a difference for others.

May you be blessed abundantly,
Anne Caroline

I’ve never received an e-mail from you. I’m not an advocacy group, and I don’t have the resources to help individual people.

It is difficult to get the military to admit domestic violence is an issue. However, there are individuals at every military base who are being PAID to help and protect your friend. Yes, they can demonstrate callous indifference.

My suggestion is that you go with your friend to the base to see this person. Stare them down until they start doing their damned job.

Also, if you are in a city on the Saving Promise tour (click on the butterfly on my blog roll), I encourage you to go to the rally and connect with other survivors. This is how we can change the system. We have to speak up. We have to hold people accountable. And, we need to stick together. When we reach critical mass (too many for them to ignore), newspapers will start carrying our stories, and the military won’t dare ignore your friend. Sadly, we aren’t there yet.

Sending hugs,
Anne Caroline

Perhaps what you are seeing is a box that automatically pops up as a convenience when you click on the “comments” button. Before you can post a comment, WordPress requires people to include an e-mail address. The logic is that it cuts down on cyber-bullying and “flaming” if people have to identify themselves via an e-mail address before they can submit a comment.

After you’ve left a comment on a site, the box gets filled out automatically so you don’t have to submit the information in again each time you want to leave a comment.

I hope this makes sense. If you are seeing your e-mail address anywhere on my site, please let me know. I will remove it immediately. Nobody needs their e-mail address on the Internet.

Sending hugs,
Anne Caroline