Help American LGBTQ Victims of Violence Overseas

When Mandy agreed to move abroad with her partner, things weren't going very well. Her partner was verbally abusive sometimes and would get angry over small things.

But Mandy's partner convinced her that things would be better in a new country. They would be able to have a new start. She promised Mandy that she would treat her better.

Mandy always wanted to live in in a Europe country. Her employer agreed to her working remotely as a digital nomad. She secured her visa and joined her partner abroad The first few months they were busy settling in and they were happy, like when they first met.

Unfortunately, it didn't last. Soon her partner's verbal abuse and angry outbursts re-emerged. She threatened Mandy with violence if she tried to leave.

Mandy emailed our crisis advocate to discuss her options. She didn't want to leave Europe but she did want to end the relationship. She wanted to do this carefully so her partner would not discover her plans.

Our crisis advocate helped guide Mandy through the process of safely exited the relationship.

Mandy still lives in the country but relocated to a different town. Mandy is so grateful that she had someone to speak to confidentuially to help her navigate to safety and avoid a potentially violent outcome.

We want to thank you for helping LGBTQ victims of violence abroad!

The Pathways' Team

In 2022 we continued to receive requests for help from LGBTQ identified Americans who have been victims of violence overseas desperate for help.

They reach out to us for support because they are unable to get it elsewhere. Victims who have exhausted every resource and been told nothing could be done. They reach out to us desperately grasping for a sliver of hope. Even just someone to hear them, to believe them. 

Because of your donations, we continue to provide assistance to the most targeted and vulnerable victims LGBTQ Americans around the world.

Victims like Jacoby. Who is now safe back home in the USA after a sexual assault abroad, because he was able to receive information, emotional support, safety planning and resources from our crisis email advocate.

Jacoby is slowly recovering from a terrible attack. But he is in counseling and getting the help he needs. And you made that possible!

We wish you a 2023 filled with peace & happiness!

The Pathways' Team

Cameron was so excited when covid restrictions began to lift and he could finally go on a long awaited trip for three months overseas.

He was travelling alone but stayed in LGBTQ friendly hostels, and made many friends from around the world during his journey.

Unfortunately, not everyone has good intentions. One evening, after a long day of exploring, Cameron was asleep when a man attempting to rape him suddenly waked him up. He was able to get out a scream and another resident at the hostile heard and came to see what had happened. Unfortunately, not before Cameron sustained multiple physical injuries. The assailant fled after pushing the other resident to the ground.

Cameron emailed our crisis email to understand what his options were for law enforcement, medical, and more. He kept repeating he felt alone, ashamed and scared. He was not even sure he wanted to continue his trip. Like most victims, his first reaction was to get back home as soon as possible to the USA. We know that having someone to listen and guide a victim through complicated systems of a foreign country can make a huge difference as they overcome trauma, physical, mental and emotional.

You make it possible for us to help LGBTQ victims like Cameron. Thank you for believing in our mission.

The Pathways' Team

*In these reports, we may change the name of the victim and may use a photo that is a likeness, but not the actual photo of the victim, for safety purposes.

Josh has been living abroad with his boyfriend for over two years. They both worked from home during the pandemic and his boyfriend started drinking and becoming abusive. At first his boyfriend blamed it on them working and living in the same apartment and spending all of their time together.

But as restrictions have lifted and they are working hybrid, part time at home and part time at their jobs, nothing has changed.

Josh is afraid of his partner. He wants to be loved and cherished but he feels used and discarded. Our crisis email advocate helped Josh work through his feelings and options as he decided what to do next.

Josh did leave the relationship, went home to the US for a couple of months and worked remotely, then went back abroad. Unfortunately his now x-partner is stalking and threatening him. We helped Josh understand what resources were available to him as an LGBTQ identified person in the foreign country.

Josh is grateful for our support during this difficult time, and we are grateful for you for making our support possible. Thank you! The Pathways Team

Abbie loves working abroad as a digital nomad. She has met people from all over the world.

She met a man who was also a digital nomad and they became friends. She made it clear to him she identified as LGBTQ. They would meet once a week or so for coffee to discuss their various travels. When he offered to come to her home the next day to pick her up to go for a trip up to the mountains she agreed.

It was a lovely day and they found a nice place for a picnic. As they were packing up to leave, he began trying to hug and kiss her. When Abbie resisted he became even more forceful. He was much stronger and much bigger than Abbie. She fought him off the best she could but he overpowered her. Abbie was terrified. She didn't know if he was going to kill her after he raped her. He drove her back home in silence.

When Abbie contacted us she was still in shock. Our advocate Kate was able to provide information about LGBTQ resources in her area, her options for law enforcement, medical response, legal resources, counseling and provided emotional support.

Abbie didn't know what she wanted to do so Kate gave her instructions on self-collection of evidence while she decided what to do next.

Abbie decided not to press charges. She felt it would be his word against hers. They had been seen together at the local cafe numerous times and no one would believe it was not consensual.

Abbie is in counseling and tells us she is slowly feeling bettter. She is grateful for our support.

Without your support we would not be able to provide critical services to LGBTQ identified victims.

Thank you for believing in our mission!

The Pathways Team