<div>On July 20, 2023, I fled the home I own in Mesquite, Texas after undergoing a terrifying 24-hour period of abusive conduct at the hands of my now ex-fiancé. In the preceding hours, my ex became so outraged that he broke through three different locked or barricaded doors to gain access to me. After terrorizing me through the night, I left early that next morning and checked into a hotel.
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<div>In the wake of my ex’s escalating violence – and learning he applied for a firearm permit – I ended our engagement and gave him a month to find new housing and move out of the home I own. I offered him up to $7,000 in direct payment for rental deposits and moving expenses to expedite his transition. He refused to vacate.
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<div>Since then, I have only spent 5 nights in my home. That is 0.02% of the last 250 days.
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<div>Since I had to flee for my own protection, he has pursued new abusive strategies to regain power and control over me, including litigation and filing for divorce. He claims that we agreed to a common law marriage, despite providing no proof of such an agreement. Through the divorce suit, he has filed multiple unnecessary and intrusive disclosure requests designed to delay possible resolution and tarnish my reputation with unfounded claims.
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<div>While I have more privilege and resource access than many other survivors of domestic violence, financial abuse was a significant component of my relationship over its 6 year duration.
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<div><strong>Steps I’ve Taken</strong>
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<div>To maintain my safety I have had to:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>Make alternative housing arrangements now for 250 days – piecing together hotel stays, short term rentals, and generous offers from friends and colleagues to stay with them.
</li>
<li>Obtain legal counsel and finance my defense and attempt to dismiss proceedings.
</li>
<li>Pay for multiple repairs caused by my ex’s destructive and threatening behavior, in the hopes that I will be able to move back in sooner rather than later.
</li>
</ul>
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<div>During this time, he has continued to live in the home I own without providing any financial support to cover the mortgage, utilities, and other household bills. I have been paying all of these bills on top of those needed to keep myself safe.
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<div>At this time, I have exhausted absolutely all financial resources available to me – including maxing out any lines of credit I have. I am facing the reality of bankruptcy (although, I cannot attempt to seek relief while the divorce suit is active).
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<div><strong>The Breakdown</strong>
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<div>I have an urgent and immediate need for financial support. This will help me continue my legal defense and maintain alternative housing arrangements to ensure my safety.
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<div>In the past nearly 9 months, I spent more than $38,000 to gain my freedom and maintain my safety. Those expenses have included:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>$22,003.69 in legal fees
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<li>$9,447.12 in alternative housing
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<li>$6,591.74 in repairs, with additional necessary
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</ul>
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<div>This doesn’t even count the various expenses associated with having my living situation upended, such as traveling to stay with friends, eating while staying in temporary housing, deal with health-related issues, and more.
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<div><strong>My Most Immediate Need</strong>
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<div>Right now, the most immediate need I have is to raise $10,000 to cover current past due bills, support my continued legal response over the next month, and prepare my home for my eventual return. This includes:
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<div><br />
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<ul>
<li>$3,118 in anticipated legal fees to obtain summary judgment
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<li>$1,882 in past due utilities and mortgage payment
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<li>$4,500 in home repairs, deferred maintance, and safety upgrades
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<li>$500 to cover my upcoming transitions between temporary housing locations
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<li>$4,000 to pay down one revolving credit account used to finance legal expenses until now.
</li>
</ul>
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<div>Any funds raised above this amount will be used for future legal bills, home repairs, and paying down accumulated debt. Monies beyond my need will be incorporated into a future legal fund for others facing legitation abuse.
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On July 20, 2023, I fled the home I own in Mesquite, Texas after undergoing a terri… Katy Launius needs your support for Assist Abuse Survivor with Legal Fees

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