Eight years ago, I was trapped in my home by my abusive ex-husband. He stopped working, followed me everywhere, and even forbid me from holding our 18-month-old son. 

He convinced my family I was "psychotic" and sabotaged my car, while secretly poisoning me with stimulants, leaving me unable to eat or sleep. I reached out to every domestic violence organization in Phoenix, but got no help. Even law enforcement enabled him. 

Carefully, I planned my escape and fled with my son.

For the next 7.5 years, I endured relentless post-separation abuse as the family court covered up my ex’s abuse. Trying to protect my son from horrific physical and sexual abuse were met with punishment—my ex got custody, and I had to pay for supervised visits.

I found strength in other survivors online. Our community grew, and we protested, testified at the Capitol, and fought for media attention. Slowly, things began to change. 

Today, my child is home with me half the time, and my case is calm.

For me this battle will end by 2025, but I won't stop fighting until every child is safe.  I’ve transformed into a warrior, and now it’s my mission to burn this broken system to the ground. 

Michelle in Arizona

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