Help for a Friend

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Help for a Friend
2
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 7:01pm

Our Nanny is a close friend and she's trying to leave her abuser. They're not married. His abuse is verbal not physical although she's scared that it's only a matter of time. He's threatening to take their child if she leaves him. He actually does not know our names, where we live or phone number so we've told her that she can stay with us until she gets things worked out. She's so devastated at the thought of losing her child that she's hesitating in her final action. I'm pretty sure that he can't take the child without a serious legal battle but I can't get her reassured as to how that would all take place. Her finances are a bit shaky and although we can give her and the baby a place to stay we don't have excess finances of our own to spare right now. How can I help her obtain legal services that are inexpensive to help her keep the baby?

TIA-
Heather

Heather-Mom to the Super Six-Tim, Isaiah, Tori, Ali, Tyler and Alex-Some grew under my heart, others grew in it. TTC#7
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
Thu, 06-08-2006 - 9:50pm

Hey there Heather...


I used to be a CL on here a year ago and the best advice I can give you is just be there for her.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-05-2004
Fri, 06-09-2006 - 11:10am
I second Wishful's advice. I would also recommend she call your local domestic violence shelter. It should be in the Yellow Pages of your phone book, but if not, agencies such as hospitals, police stations, etc. will likely have the number. It is highly, highly unlikely that he would be able to take the baby, particularly with a history of abuse, but she can access resources to keep that from happening.
Image hosted by Photobucket.com