Fran's Story

After being married to a monster for 27 years and 10 months, I escaped. I had 7 kids and because of Pennsylvania laws could not take my kids out of the state. I am not sorry I had my children, I love them dearly. This man abused me in every way, was super controlling.

I have an IQ of 162 (tested in school) but no college education, no job training. I have applied for minimum wage jobs, but no one calls me back. He will not divorce me. He wants me dead. I am in Arizona, living as far away from him as I can for safety, with a friend.

Because of love gifts to support me, I cannot get medical assistance. I have systematic rheumatoid arthritis, an enlarged heart, thyroid disease, and I am hemorrhaging with my menstrual cycle that comes every two weeks now.

What help is there for a woman in this country? Men still have all the rights and power. Nothing has changed. At least my five daughters are all fine women, getting an education, I know they will be fine. I do not see what good the women's movement has done for women.

Fran
July 1998