My Nonprofit Reviews

The first time I heard of the Stop Abuse Campaign, was in 2017, from a friend I had met through a survivor advisory council in which we were both members. The group consisted of women who had first hand knowledge of domestic violence and abuse. She carried with her a book, to every meeting, called "The Quincy Solution," written by Mr. Barry Goldstein. As we got to know one another I began asking her more about this book. I learned it was about domestic violence and the many forms of abuse inflicted upon survivors. I ordered the book and began reading the first few pages and was in tears. It was as if the book was written with me in mind. I related to so much of it's contents. I was once married to an abuser. We had a daughter together. We eventually divorced. I felt so alone throughout this process and once we entered family court it went from bad to worse. I believed everyone involved in our case would be helpful to us. Instead, they minimized my concerns for my daughter's safety. (and mine) I wasn't "physically," abused which made it more difficult to prove. I did have orders for protection throughout my daughters life. My plan was to help keep us safe. My feelings of fear were ignored by my attorney's, judge, the custody evaluator, court appointed mediator as well as law enforcement. I could not protect my 5 year old daughter. In 2004, during his unsupervised parenting weekend, he murdered my child and took his own life. I have learned so much over the years and am grateful to the Stop Abuse Campaign. Unfortunately, these horrific situations are not uncommon. So many children are exposed to abuse in it's many forms. I had never heard of the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study. The childhood emotional trauma, among others causes, which can lead to diseases and a shortened life span. The Stop Abuse Campaign has helped those who have experienced these traumas as well as validate them. The Stop Abuse Campaign creates awareness and educates those who aren't familiar. They share many helpful articles and resources on-line. This organization has helped me personally in many ways. Thanks to their generosity, I was invited to participate in a panel discussion in Albany, N.Y. at the annual Battered Mother's Custody Conference. It was because of the Stop Abuse Campaign and it's donations that I was able to make the trip. It was a wonderful experience to be surrounded by such knowledgeable and kind, supportive people. There were many presenters who shared their expertise with us. This organization, and their team, have been instrumental with their resources and support. Our hope and dream, in our state, (and every state) is for our children to be safe. (Safe Child Act) I am grateful to the Stop Abuse Campaign and support the wonderful work they do, thank you!

I initially learned about the wonderful work of the Center for Judicial Excellence when we had the privilege of Mr. Barry Goldstein, visit our state of MN in Oct. of 2017 for a D.V. rally. One of the various facts he mentioned was C.J.E. tracks research relating to child murders, by a parent during custody disputes. Shortly thereafter i went on C.J.E.'s web site & printed the "Championing Children's Rights: Our Top 11 in 11 Years." What especially caught my attention was the fact C.J.E ., "protects vulnerable children in the family court system." Fourteen years ago my only child/ daughter, was murdered by her, abusive "father." (My then ex-husband) I fought so hard to protect her from the time she was a newborn until her, "almost 6th birthday." Unfortunately, because of our failed family court system, my daughter lost her life. For years I have been searching for some way to be a voice for her and so many other families enduring horrendous experiences. (I always thought the "system," was supposed to protect us.) This past August, the Battered Women's Justice Project, introduced us to C.J.E. as well as California Protective Parents. Less than a month later, and after several e-mails back and forth and on line meetings, a friend & I were invited to Washington D.C. to meet with other protective parents for child empowerment and safety. We spent four days with Kathleen Russell, learning more about their in- depth research, and important advocacy work. It was so encouraging and empowering when we met with members of Congress and asked for their support of the H. Con. Res. 72, which "gives states guidance that they should make safety the first priority in custody and parenting adjudications." It was such an honor to meet Kathleen as well as her team. I so appreciated her passion and knowledge, it was contagious. So many protective parents willing to share their experiences with losing their children to an abusive parent. I am grateful to know these individuals who tirelessly work to improve lives and speak up for individuals who cannot for various reasons. Thank you so very much for all you do C.J.E.! I will never forget our experience in D.C.!