Help American LGBTQ Victims of Violence Overseas

When Michelle contacted us she didn't know what to do. She and her wife had been living and working in a foreign country but no one knew they were a couple. Being openly LGBTQ in the country was not safe so everyone thought they were cousins working for an NGO. Their son Noah was adopted and they had equal parental rights in the USA.

Michelle's wife was abusive. Mostly verbal and emotional abuse but she would also throw things at Michelle and threatened to take Noah away from her. Noah has started yelling and throwing things when he would get upset, mimicking Michelle's wife. Michelle has asked her to stop but the abuse just accelerates.

Over several weeks, we explored different options and possible outcomes with Michelle for her situation. We were able to connect her to an attorney for a free consult who could help Michelle understand what legal obstacles she may face back in the USA. She decided to return to the USA with Noah as trying to navigate the legal system abroad was unfeasible.

Michelle told us that Noah is already much calmer back at home. He loved going to a pumpkin patch last week.

Your donations make it possible to help LGBTQ victims like Michelle to stay safe from domestic violence.

Thank you from the Pathways' Team!

Dominique loves to travel and spent most of June exploring Portugal & Spain going to different Pride celebrations.

He had seen the State Department alert for LGBTQ travel abroad and felt he would be fine. Unfortunately for Dominique, while there weren't any terrorist attacks where he was, there were isolated incidents of violence.

He and a male friend were attacked but luckily bystanders intervened before they were injured too badly. Dominique contacted us for emotional support, a referral to resources in the country and resources for when he returned home. He decided not to make a police report as the men left the scene quickly and he was afraid of retribution.

Dominque was relieved to have someone to communicate with in the immediate aftermath of the attack and to process what had happened. He was also grateful that we supported his decision not to contact the police as the safest decision for him.

We're happy that Dominque is now back in the USA and is receiving counseling. He is grateful for our help and we are grateful to you for supporting this project so we are available for LGBTQ victims of violence abroad! Thank you!

The Pathways Team.