Alyssa, 23, says her estranged husband, Mario, 25, is extremely controlling and degrades her constantly, so she took her two children and escaped two months ago. Now, she believes he’s obsessed and claims he refuses to leave her alone. Mario says he’s just trying to show Alyssa that he loves her and will fight to get his family back. Watch their story here.
Robin McGraw, founder of When Georgia Smiled: The Robin McGraw Revelation Foundation, which helps which helps women, children and men who are victims of domestic violence, tells Alyssa about her Aspire News app and how it can help the young mom stay safe.
“I’ve been very worried, as everyone here is, I’m sure, about you and the safety of you and your children,” Robin says to Alyssa. “We want to make sure you get the Aspire News app downloaded before you leave here today. It’s just one of the steps you need to take, because this is a very serious situation.”
9 Warning Signs You Are In An Abusive Relationship
As another safety measure, Dr. Phil tells Alyssa that it is imperative that she make changes to her living situation immediately, as Mario currently lives in the same apartment complex as she and her children. “You need to go to the court, and you need to file a restraining order, and you need to get a restraining order that puts him further out than that apartment is, so he’s going to have to move. And I don’t want anything bad to happen, and I want him to be able to moderate his behavior and co-parent with you with these children, but he’s going to need some serious help before he is able to do that,“ he says. “Unless and until that’s done, you are in harm’s way.”
Watch the video above to see how the Aspire News app works. And, learn about the Aspire Initiative, a downloadable educational program that teaches how to recognize the signs of abuse, and demonstrates safe ways to exit an abusive relationship.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, visit WhenGeorgiaSmilied.org for helpful resources.
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