The stories below are from ordinary people across the United States who wished to share with others, in the hope of helping and healing.

To send your own story to Predators, please fill out our online form.

1. I am the victim of a predator. She is not a child predator, but she did take my life away. 10 years ago, I accepted a blind date with a stranger. I was financially well off, lonely and insecure.

   This woman stole millions of dollars in a short 9 months and then systematically had me arrested for various charges in order to hide her theft. She had to kill me - and she did. I was arrested 10 years ago and my case is going to trial in a few weeks. I was a resource for her, she is a high risk offender. I was willing to believe she liked me. In order to stay close to the money, as a predator, she convinced herself she was my friend and she convinced herself she needed a friend. Money was the attraction, and she would use any means of deceit, when the money ran out, she had to get rid of me. The case she invented against me was not a good one, but it effectively destroyed my life. She took everything from me and now my freedom is threatened. Have you ever dealt with a financial predator?

2. I'm not quite sure if this is helpful, but I am a survivor of clergy sexual abuse. My abuse happened within the Catholic Church at the Diocese of Worcester Massachusetts. It happened in the early through mid-seventies with a ring of predator priests.

   As we are recognizing the fifth anniversary of the Boston Globe's reporting of the scandal, which made it a worldwide story, I think it is important for people to realize it is not over. There is a website called the abuse tracker which posts daily news stories from all over the world about this issue. it is a great resource. www.bishop-accountability.org/AbuseTracker

   Peace,
   Skip

3. I spoke with you recently (via teleconferencing) concerning the 28 years of serial poisoning by my husband's sister, who ritualistically took her poisoning and attempted murders upon our family every holiday, wedding, anniversary and event we were near her.

   As you are well aware, her repeated behavior illicits a diagnosis of Munchausen by Proxy, and in as much, I am currently writing my first book about her behavior and the usage of other prisoners she obviously followed and repeated for decades.

   Other than wanting to express my rage and anger, she has managed to get away with the repeated poisonings and suffocations for decades, even though my toxicology reports prove that I was horribly poisoned, that my husband was repeatedly poisoned and she attempted to suffocate our firstborn son, poison with E.Coli our second new born, and repeatedly poisoned her own husband, mother and family members.

4. I was married to my abusive husband for 12 years. My abusive husband began with the verbal assaults the day I moved in with him. He validated those negative feelings I had about myself. I admit I was insecure and he took advantage of my securities for leverage against me. My abusive husband was angry at the world and I was someone accessible to lash out his frustration upon. To him I was "a nothing" that he had dehumanized in his mind to the point where it seemed acceptable for him to treat me less than any living organism should be treated. I grew up in a wealthy family and am educated. As an adult I have been a successful career woman and leader in the Napa community with a high-profile job. It's a myth that domestic abuse is confined to a particular race, class, or educational level. Abusers and their victims can be doctors, lawyers, and respected community leaders. Domestic abuse is all about control.

   Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women 15 to 45 years old. Like many abusers, in the beginning my husband said he was sorry after each verbal and physical incident. Soon he stopped apologizing and started blaming me for his aggression.

   The goal of the abuser is to convince his partner that she cannot live without him. He accomplishes this by stifling anything about her that is her own. With an abusive man, what begins as a jealousy will inevitably turn into raging paranoia. At first, you may find it sweet that he really wants you to be with him, and not join your friends after work. Soon, your friends will stop asking, knowing you "can't" go. You'll be grateful, because the lack of an invitation is easier than making up excuses. Eventually, he will cut you off completely from your friends and family, leaving you with no support outside of him. You will be utterly dependent on him, which, of course, was his entire plan.

   His verbal abuse made me miserable. I often thought of leaving, but I was too afraid of what others might think. My husband was an alcoholic and often I thought it was the alcohol that was causing the abuse. But, it was his personality. Alcohol was just an excuse. Many men blame their violence on the effects of drug and alcohol use. Alcohol abuse is present in about 50 percent of battering relationships, according to the American Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Research shows that alcohol and other drug abuse is commonly a symptom of an abusive personality, not the cause. Men often blame intoxication for the abuse, or use it as an excuse to use violence. Regardless, it is an excuse, not the cause. Taking away the alcohol doesn't stop the abuse.

   Ask an abusive man what drives him to assault the women he is supposed to love and you'll usually get an answer like: "She was asking for it, she wouldn't stop nagging," "She doesn't do what I say, she never listens," or "I have a problem controlling my anger."

   Now ask yourself if this same man would threaten a female coworker because she was promoted instead of him. Would he punch a close male friend who contradicted him? Or beat up a waiter for not bringing him exactly what he ordered? It's unlikely. He reins in his temper in these situations because he knows that he has no real right to get what he wants. So, why does he think it's OK to resort to violence in his relationship?

   Regardless of whether or not our culture supports a sexist hierarchy, it remains a grown man's responsibility to be accountable for his actions. Nothing justifies a man's decision to use coercion, threats, or violence to get what he wants. And, make no mistake about it, it is a decision. These are criminal acts and abusers choose to perform them.

   It is only when I saw my potential death at the hands of my abuser that I got up the courage to leave for good. Only then did I finally decide to cease giving my partner permission to abuse me. As long as I stayed, I was allowing the abuse to continue. It took me 12 years to leave him. But, I left. And, I haven't looked back. I am no longer a victim. I am a survivor.

   If you are a victim of domestic abuse or you know of someone who is being abused, don't hesitate, and get help and protection now. Some victims of domestic abuse have delayed, and tragically they are no longer alive.

   Jeannie

5. "What's My Name Today, Mommy?"
   For 4 years my daughter, Liz, and I had to live on the run, hiding from her father, my abusive ex-husband ho wanted to kill me and kidnap her. It is always difficult for a child to have to lie to survive. She had to have a new name and pretend she just came from Puerto Rico whenever she started a new school. Then somehow he'd find us and call laughing diabolically, "I'm coming to get her." I'd run out of work, rush her out of school, and off we'd go to another city or state. I had to try to find a new job, and we lived in a tent, a camper, a cabin, our car, as long as we were safe. I tried to make some good memories. As we drove along, we'd sing "You and Me Against the World" or we'd pretend we were on TV and interview each other with microphones, or I'd teach her the geography of where we were passing. Sometimes I taught her with a correspondence class being too afraid to send her to school at all.

   I had been a health educator advising other women on how to escape, but I never thought it would happen to me. Now she's grown and working, and there's no fear, but we'd like other women to know the danger signs like being kept in isolation, so they can get out BEFORE the violence begins. It's terrible for a woman, and even more for a child to be hunted like a animal by a PREDATOR.

   Thanks,
   Fran

6. I unfortunately do have a story. No one should have one, but I will gladly share mine. It not only helps me to talk about it, but if I could help one person I will do so. I had dated this monster for 5 years, and during that time I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. So that was used against me as well. One more form of control he needed, claiming to be concerned for my well being!

   I was mentally, verbally, and physically abused, and stalked for almost the entire 5 years of our relationship. And it continued on even worse after I finally got what little strength I could to finally leave.

   I got very lucky when I met a wonderful person in the midst of me trying to end this mess. I now had someone to feel safe with, and what I felt as protection. And in the course of the 7 months of us dating he proposed to me, so things were looking brighter. My husband of 5 months has stuck with me through everything. My first visit to court (winter of 2002) was terrifying. I had to fight for myself while my ex had an Attorney. It turned into a full trial, and the only way I made it through, was the fact I was free and refused to be hurt by him any more. I had done as the women's center (W.E.A.V.E.) had taught me, and that was to journal every thing. I had a tape of him threatening to kill me, pictures of the bruises on my face and neck, and over 4 years of documented abuse on my calendars. It almost wasn't enough. I was granted a 6 month renewable restraining order. While fighting my hardest to get it, I found out from more than one authority that because I lived in El Dorado county, California the police, judges, etc… are more lenient than they are in Sacramento, CA.

   Then we got word just days before the 6 month restraining order was up, that my ex had found out I was going to get married, and had plans to ruin it. Along with that he was also saying he was going to cut my heart out and eat it, and cut me up into little pieces. So back to court I go to FIGHT yet again to simply be left alone. I did receive my restraining order, but had to fight even harder just for protection with a piece of paper in my hand. I had to get legal representation this time that I could not afford. We were only able to receive a 6 month order yet again. My battle was twice as hard, due to the fact that my best friend of 8 years was cheating on her husband with my ex, at the same time he was dating me. Due to her not being honest on both court occasions, it did not help to serve justice.

   My restraining order is expired as of February 2, 2003. And I have to live with the fear of him still wanting to get even for me standing up for myself. My ex has never owned up to any of the problems that have come his way - it is always someone else's fault. And he seems to think he is the victim. I have plenty of detail that I have spared you; I was just trying to give you the short version. If I in any way can be of help, please let me know. It's refreshing to know that something like your show is being brought to the public.

   Sincerely,
   Tami

7. I would like to offer some suggestions about how to avoid becoming a victim of a rape like I was. Never ever get into a vehicle with anyone you don't know, even if he/she says they have a gun or the gun is pointed at you. Run, scream, or do anything to cause attention to yourself. Run in the opposite direction that the car is facing. It's takes a little time to turn the car around and chances are he'll just leave. If he is going to kill or hurt you, take your chances and let him do it right there, where there is a greater chance of having witnesses. Don't let there be a crime scene out in an isolated area where nobody can help you. I did survive but the man's violence escalated as he became more experienced. There are even some unsolved murders that they suspect he was involved in, but there isn't enough evidence to tie him to those killings.

   The road to healing is not an easy one - it's a very long one. Throughout my life I have had obstacles on the road to healing. Just about the time I think things are going great and I'm no longer bothered by the fact that I was a victim of a rape, life brings me a new challenge. Going back to court and bringing up all the feelings and emotions again wasn't easy, but I made it through that difficult time.

   My best advice is when these feelings pop up, don't let them take over your whole life. Go ahead and feel the pain and other emotions, because they are natural reactions to traumatic events, and face them head on. Don't run and hide from your feelings. It may help to talk to close friends or a therapist about your feelings. Know that each one of these difficult situations that you work through will only make you a better and stronger person.

   One thing that greatly helped me was to break the silence. My family knew that I was raped but I never gave them the details. After I finally decided that I was no longer going to keep quiet and began to talk about it with close friends and family, I soon learned that I was feeling better about myself and felt even stronger.

   Although I've come a long way since 1981, there are still times when the memory of being assaulted comes to the surface. I just take a break and work through those feelings and understand why I'm having them. Soon I'm better and moving on again. Healing is a lifelong process but you can learn to work through the pain and you can be a strong and healthy person. After all, you are a survivor!

   Julie

8. I saw info regarding Denise Brown's project on TV a few months ago, and was interested in finding out more. I have been stalked by my ex-boyfriend for a little over one year. Although his advances are not as frequent as they used to be, he still contacts me. I've changed my phone number a few times, I have a restraining order, filed many police reports…, and the harassment continues. (I must, though, add that the harrassment is not as frequent as it was.) The reason I am e-mailing you is that I am wondering if there are support groups, books, etc…, that could help me remain focused. I have gone through many phases of depression, denial, and avoidance of the issue. Most people that have never experienced domestic violence and stalking just can't relate.

   Thank You,
   Leslie

9. Hello Denise,

   My 37 year old baby sister was murdered in July, 2003 by a boyfriend. She was an intelligent, wise woman with a large, loving extended family. The boyfriend will go on trial in May and even without the huge publicity of your sister's case, it is still a nightmare for our family. I can't imagine what it must have been like for you. The trial is in May in Tennessee. This man met my sister on the internet, met her for coffee, romanced her and talked her into co-signing on a vehicle and incurring over $60,000 in debt. Within 6 months she was dead. Was he a predator? I'm hoping the trial will reveal his past and show how he used other women like Amy. Unfortunately, in TN unless they can prove premeditation, this is only a 2nd degree murder charge. It seems so little for someone who took a life. Our main concern is that he not get out to hurt someone else.

   I am a watercolor artist and after Amy's death I was unable to paint for months. Then, one night while watching a sunset I asked God for a sign that my sister was OK. The shapes I saw in the clouds that night became my inspiration for paintings. The story is below:

   Angel Clouds
   A Touch of Heaven Here On Earth
   Angel Clouds symbolize joy and freedom from pain. I began painting Angel Clouds after the death of my sister due to domestic violence. One evening after Amy's death, while watching a beautiful sunset, I was in too much pain to pray. I cried and said, "God, she died so violently, I somehow need to know she's OK." And just like when I was a child, I began to notice shapes in the clouds. Instead of giraffes and rabbits, I saw womanly shapes… angelic figures floating, leaping and dancing. I knew the Angel Clouds were God's way of showing me Amy is joyful in Heaven, surrounded by the incredible love of God.

   I will always miss my sister, but as I paint Angel Clouds I feel her watching me, encouraging me to move forward, heal, and help others.

   Angel Clouds are available as originals, prints and note cards. A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Montana Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence to help other women out of abusive situations.

   I am so delighted you are working to "end the silence" too. My goal is to market these note cards around the United States and raise money for the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, as well as for the Montana Chapter. I am speaking to teenagers, youth groups and women's groups about the realities and prevalence of domestic violence in our world.

   Like many people, I thought domestic violence was something that happened to other families. I want to help break that ignorant belief. My note cards contain the Angel Cloud painting on front, the Angel Cloud story on the back and woman-to-woman thoughts inside. The woman-to-woman prose seems like an important part of this process for me because women everywhere need to know they are beautiful and strong and worthy of love without fear.

   I would love your input. I am eager to find ways to partner with you to banish the darkness and end the silence. Please email or call me at your earliest convenience.

   Sincerely,
   Jane

10. Hi,

    I have been a stalking victim for 15 years now. I live about 500 miles from LA, but if you need people I would be glad to help you if you come to the Bay Area. My story is a bit different than most stalking cases you will hear about in that I am a woman being stalked by another woman. My stalker has gone to great lengths to look like me, including having surgery. Also I have dealt with the system with no success, only a few arrests, and I am sure that will be a main topic of your story (the way the justice system handles these cases). I have been told that my case is not being taken as seriously because it is NOT an ex-boyfriend which is what they usually see. Anyway, if you would like to hear more about my story I would be happy to help.

    Thanks
    Carma

11. A lot has happened this past year. My wife, Diane, and I have been battling these mafia-like crooks that stole our $1,500,000 home with a bogus lawsuit, had us wrongly evicted by the Santa Barbara Sheriff, where the Sheriff secretly gave our Homestead Exemption money ($150,000) to an attorney. I wrote my story called "Cover-up" exposing the Sheriff, the DA and the judges wrongful acts, enclosed all of 100 documents, supporting the story on a CD-ROM and gave it to a number of persons including Quintin Cushner, staff write for the Santa Maria Times who broke the story. It was carried on Channel 12 TV and the newswire.

    The District Attorney finally indicted the attorney on a long list of felony charges, including Felony Violation Elderly Abuse by Caretaker; Felony Embezzlement; Felony Grand Theft. Also, my case involved the DA of Ventura County, where a list of Felony Charges were brought against the attorney involving eight other victims. The DA said the attorney could get eight years in prison for each count. He also said he was only concentrating on the attorney's crimes.

    Primary Court Trial started in February 2006. Detectives and witnesses from both counties testified, as well as did clerks, etc. They told me it would be a very big trial. Paper trails in numerous states had to be put into evidence. I testified three separate times. The attorney just recently sold his home for two million dollars, and it is rumored he's moving to Texas. He's out on bail now. Might skip.

    He hired a high powered attorney that used the (bogus) Jury verdict of 2001, which opened the door for me to explore our entire case. The DA told me he intends to close the Primary Trial on June 21, 2006 and set date for the main trial.

    The stress for the past eight years has been horrendous. Diane was attending Santa Ynez Valley Day Care on January 24, 2006. At lunch time, she put her head down on the table, had a heart attack and died. I am still in shock and pain each day and I now am preparing to go to trial. I am presently writing a book about Diane's life. It helps ease the pain. We were married for 34 years. I miss her terribly.

    Sincerely,
    Rex

12. in 1995 we bought a summer house on a lagoon in New Jersey. The seemingly nice middle aged couple next door greeted us with open arms. They were very helpful and watched our house when we weren't there. I became very good friends with the woman. The man (Bob) seemed too good to be true, and he was! I later found out that he controlled this woman and was cruel (wouldn't let her go to doctors, dentists, or have anything to do with her family). In August of 1998 she shot herself in his bed (I know she is dead because of him).

    In October 1998, Bob began hanging out at our house (we went there every week end). He studied us, filled oour daughter's head with reasons to leave us and live with him. He claimed things like, your mother makes you go to school, forces you to work, etc… We found all this out too late. She was gone on 4/3/99 and had moved in with him. The following Monday he emptied her bank account, changed her identification, took her to a phony social worker, and made her quit college (with 3 weeks to finish). He dragged her out into the street holding a hammer, so we wouldn't hurt him? He made her call me a maniac and a psycho and to say her dad wants to kill her.

    He has taken us to court twice to try for a restraining order (it was denied). He claims my cards and letters upset our daughter.

    One by one, he eliminated her family and friends. She is allowed no contact with anyone. He has phone and email blocks, and he even has someone take her to work. If we find out where she works, she has to quit. He keeps her isolated and alone. She has to do all the chores, pay board and God only knows what else.

    To people who see her she appears delusional. When her brothers were allowed to see her, they confirmed her delusional state.

    Bob is 45, our daughter 25.

    I have spoken to the dead woman's sister. She says her family was eliminated too. There was another woman before this too, probably more… He is a drifter - unattractive, uneducated, unemployed.

    And this is only a short version of the story.

    Thanks,
    Sue

13. I am a victim of a crime and I want to know why victims seem to have no rights and the criminal seems to be the one with all the rights.

    Does anyone realize the definitions of a criminal and a victim or are they reversed in the community's eyes?

    On April 4, 2002, the personal trainer that I worked out with at a fitness center for 9 months to get healthy, came into my home and drugged me and tried to kill me, and threatened to kill my son. As I was told he was a registered nurse and I should follow his expertise, I did, so I could get healthy.

    I was able to jump off my loft to be able to get away. As I do not know everything that happened, due to whatever he gave me, I do know what I know and that is he wanted me dead.

    As this has changed my life on a daily basis, I try to figure out why what could I have done. I was so kind and giving and open to get healthy that I listened to him and he manipulated every sense of my being.

    It has been 14 long months. It was supposed to go to trial this past Monday and to my shock I was told on Friday that the case was going to be continued on Monday. Then on Monday morning I received a call that it was going to go on, so I had to be there. I rushed to the court and was told nothing but pulled into the court room where there stood the criminal. All I heard was sentencing will be on August 8th and I am like what is going on and I was told he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge.

    Oh my gosh - I am still in shock. I was told nothing and now they say he plead guilty to one charge so they dropped the other charges. No warning or anything. They say I should be happy. I would be happy only if he would have not tried to kill me.

    So he has pleaded guilty to PC 245 (a) (1) - Assault with a deadly weapon and by means of force likely to produce death or great bodily injury. They dropped the Attempted Murder, Burglary and Criminal Threat charges.

    Then the DA got this big attitude with me as why I was not happy and that this is a victory. Do not get me wrong, I am grateful for all of their hard work, but he could get just probation and what kind of justice is that.

    How can I ever feel safe? How can I be happy with this? I think they could have given me some warning. Why is he able to have more rights than me?

    I do not understand how this can happen with all the evidence that they had. They had two messages from him apologizing for what he did. They had the saran wrap and towel he held over my face. They had all the pictures of my bruised body. They had the evidence at my house.

    I now feel that it may have been better on everyone if I wouldn't have called the police although I know that this is not right and victims need to know to stand up for themselves no matter what happens.

    I now need to find some accountability. Somehow I need to let others know that no matter what happens this is not okay. So, if you have any suggestions and or ideas please let me know. I am including the articles that were in the papers.

    Please respond. Thanks!
    Patricia

14. I am the survivor of a series of rapes at the hand of my now ex-husband - at the time we where living in the same home but sleeping in separate rooms as I was considering a divorce. He was able to commit these crimes repeatedly because he used ketamine (sometimes used as a "date rape" drug) and isoflurane to anesthetize me while I slept. He also attempted to do this to at least 1 other woman.

    How I figured out what was happening is a longer story than I can email, but eventually he plead guilty to criminal charges of rape, drugging for sexual intercourse and possession of class e drugs with intent to distribute. I had been married to this man for about 2 years, but had known him for about 12 years at the time this occurred. There were signs that something unusual was happening, but I missed them as did my doctor.

    I am emailing because people need to know how dangerous these drugs are, how hard it is to prosecute these cases, and that you must not ignore signs of dangerous behavior and get to a safe place ASAP.

15. Hello,

    I am the victim of domestic abuse. At the same time Nicole was killed I was in California with a guy I had met. He knocked my front teeth out and tried to kill me. He died in jail. He was sentenced for attempted murder. It is a long story and I wouldn't mind sharing it with others if it would help someone.

    Donna

16. The key is to never admit to your part in the predatorial sequence of events so you will never be counted as a part of the solution to be recovered. I have experienced a different kind of abuse and have been threatened by my ex husband in a manner I never realized was there. Yet I still see the little boy in him that was abused himself and ultimately has had a big part in his actions. He never physically abused me but I now know the meaning of what he meant when he said I know how to leave wounds without bruising or scars that never heal. They are of an emotional not physical aperture and, as long as you keep silent, generally the abuse has no enemy but still grows in intensity. Because of the threat of being exposed at the end of our divorce he used the very people that threatened and blackmailed him. He used them against me and so the sleeper lies until whenever and the authorities have no recourse. They have the information in hand, on tape, and in transcript form, but still there has been no crime except emotional.

    He has charged me with crimes and accusations and has taken the kids, the house, and is the predator as far as I am concerned. He preys on young girls, the weak and vulnerable, and justifies his actions through supposed good deeds. The most I've learned is that he is bipolar and it has been his escape from reality. He does not acknowledge that which he does not see. I never would have understood, be it not for my own experience in this relationship and the desire I had to do so for my children. I also cannot let the fear he has tried to inflict impose even the smallest spark of power in my own life otherwise I will be the one giving the abuse, the power, and control. I now can only look for ways to give back to the community and strengthen the fabric of generosity and the power of the almighty GOD to be implemented in to that fabric because that is where love abounds and fear repels. I cannot live with fear, only love. And I suggest to others to not only stand up for what they believe but work towards forgiveness and understanding.

    Proudly,
    Teresa

17. I would like to get information on how to order some purple ribbons for myself and my support to wear in court. I was terrorized by my ex-husband during our marriage and he will never give up trying to hurt and control me and my little boy.

    Now, he has taken me back to court to try to get custody of my son and I can't even use the evidence that he abused me since that was pre-divorce. I'm thinking that the purple ribbons will at least make a silent statement and keep me strong. He has charmed his whole family and many people into believing that he never did anything - and I can't even use the evidence that proves he did.

    Also, at some time in the future, I'm thinking of bringing up charges against him using the "unborn victims of violence" law. His beating of me at about 9 weeks into my pregnancy may be linked to the disability my son has according to the geneticist who named the disorder. My son is in a wheelchair and has little use of his arms and legs.

    Thank you so much,
    Kellie

18. I saw the program tonight on the Larry King Show. I applaud the fact of the many positive things you are doing for people, and wish you good fortune on your inspiring work.

    As a recent victim of ID THEFT (actually this was last year), I applaud whole heartedly the undertaking you are doing to advise people of ways to combat this, as well as other, forms of violence. When the ID THEFT came to my attention, it took me MONTHS to gain any kind of information of aid whatsoever. And the things I didn't know I could do were astounding! In fact I posted a lot of these facts on my website in order to help others in a similar, unfortunate situation, and to help curtail this crime being committed on unsuspecting people.

    Thank you once again for all you are doing. While I know you would do most anything for things to go back to the way they were before the most unfortunate incident, it is most gratifying that you are the kind of person you are, and unwilling to lay down and go away. Continue to spread the word. For the word you are spreading is good.

    Thank you!
    Randy

19. Thanks for doing this type of show. As a survivor of incest, sexual assault and domestic violence I strongly urge you to stress some issues continually. I so often hear things like "he doesn't seem like the kind of guy…" "he's such a good family man, quiet, nice…". Predators don't "look" a certain way and are manipulators and liars. They are often very nice people! Our society needs to be made aware that if a priest can be a pedophile, so can their neighbor or their own grandfather. They are everywhere. Please don't forgot the "grooming" process; parents are often not aware of this. If an older boy or man is spending time with your kids, be very afraid. No, we don't want to scare people, but we certainly need to wake them up!

    Will you be doing anything on domestic violence? These batterers may not be "predators", but more often than not a woman will choose an abusive spouse if abuse is in her background. Batterers know what to look for in terms of who they can control.

    Thanks for letting me give my input!
    Patti

20. I saw this new show that you are working on and have been trying to e-mail the show to tell my story. But I couldn't get it through. So I hope that it will go this time.

    In Jackson Michigan we have a Registered Sex Offender practicing law in Family Courts and doing Pro Bono work in the Juvenile courts. The man was charged with 6 felonies and served 3 days. He never lost his license to practice law. I have court documents of the testimony of the victims he raped, and his charges. I can fax or mail them to you to back up my story.

    This man was just voted in as Jackson Bar President by other attorneys and no one has a problem with this. The courts and people in the government know who and what he is, and they don't care. He uses the courts to get new victims.

    Thank you,
    Mary

21. Hello,

    I am 37 and a parent of a murdered child.

    On July 4, 1995, my daughter and I were taken hostage by a stalker who then set fire to our home, thus murdering my daughter, LeeAndra (pronounced LeeOndra). She was only 15 1/2 months old.

    I am also trying to find out the status of Predators. For example, is it on the air? If so, when and what station? If it hasn't reached the air yet, I was wondering the reason. We, the public, need this educational program desperately in today's world.

    For more information regarding what happened to my daughter and I, please feel free to visit the following website - I have no affiliation with the advertisements and pop-ups that may appear on your screen from the site.

    crimevictims.afreepress.com/articles/index.cfm?artOID=179414&webpage=0&cp=124935

    Respectfully yours,
    Pastor Lisa

22. To whom it may concern,

    I am seeking assistance against my estranged boyfriend. I am currently living with my son, as I ran away from this man less than a month ago. Here's my story:

    On the advice of my boyfriend about two years ago, I quit my real estate career that, at the time, I was earning $200,000 to $300,000 a year in. He had me come and live in his home. He wanted me to do this because he was extremely wealthy and did not need my income. I had no income and he said he would be responsible for my living expenses, as well as my debits including a new car that I had just purchased and made only one payment on. He did not keep these promises after I had become completely dependent on him.

    The abuse, which was verbal, physical and sexual, was heart-wrenching. After living with him for only a few months, I found out that he was under investigation by the County District Attorney office's white-collar crime division. As the abuse escalated, which included shooting at my feet with a handgun, hitting me, pulling my hair to engage in oral sex, he started getting angry and blaming me for making him upset at anything he could. He would force me to my knees to beg for his forgiveness. He would sodomize me with a foreign object and often force me to perform lewd acts with him.

    Soon after the abuse began, I started cooperating with the district attorney.

    To ensure that no one would want me, if I should ever get away, he had my body tattooed in different places. One the tattoos include a cattle brand. I was not allowed to talk to anyone, including my son, unless he was present and I was only allowed to leave my home once on my own. I suffer from fibromyalgia and Epstein-Barr Syndrome, and I was unable to seek medical attention and keep up regular medical and dental appointments.

    His abuse further increased once he knew that I was unhappy with him. He convinced me that no one would ever help me and that no one would want me. He then started taking me to farm fields and forcing me to perform sex with daily laborers, oil-rig drillers and people walking the streets. Then, he would brag to his friends about how sick he was and what he had me do for him. I also contracted genital herpes.

    I knew I had to do something about it. I needed to keep a journal, as well as take pictures of my body to document his abuse. I have that journal, those pictures and names of other victims of his. When I met him, he lied to me about his age and his marital status - he is still married to a woman whom he continues to see and is on and off with. She is also very aware of the abuse I endured and condones the behavior.

    I want to earn back my dignity and move on, but I have no income and am in the secret witness program in Irvine, Calif. The deputy district attorney has placed restraining orders on this man, but that hasn't stopped the torment in my life. As recently as New Year's Eve, he found where my son lived - which is where I live now - and had my vehicle repossessed.

    This man is being investigated for everything from arson to assaults and more. He is very dangerous and am in fear of my life.

    Thanks for your work!

23. I'm working on a story I suffered through with being stalked, raped and then have the predator turn around and want the child to control me further. Like you, if I'm going to go through hell - I'm going to do what I can to help others out of their hell or avoid it all together! Personal turmoil should never be for not!! I haven't been able to return to modeling since this all happened but I hope to be up to appearing on news programs, etc…, soon.

    My problem here in Texas was that convicted rapists can have custody of their child - even if the child resulted from the rape. In my case, I was too chicken and confused to go to the police when I was raped. Then, two weeks later I found out I was pregnant and was afraid of a custody battle. Little did I know at the time - mine was not his first rape, as I assumed! He is a serial rapist that no one has ever reported!

    Thanks so much,
    Robin

24. I'm 63 and been married 5 times, the last time to the most abusive man, who supports his lifestyle charming women into giving him their credit cards.

    He also gives them black eyes, or worse, on a regular basis. I put up with him on and off for 20 years, and in the end, "I" USED him… But he continues on milking women out of their money, credit, and dignity. I would love to stop him somehow. I would love to help you somehow too. I am retired, and still don't have a LOT of time, but I'm H*** with a pen/computer and a 'leader' according to my friends. So please don't hesitate to let me know if I can be of some service to your cause.

    Sincerely,
    Helene

25. I met a man when I was 21 years old. He was normal at first but then turned on a dime and beat me up very badly, he raped me and eventually he kidnapped me at gun point from the college I was attending and shot himself as I escaped from him. After he recovered, he began stalking me with a vengeance. I had to quit my job. This was in 1978, and there were no stalking laws. My mother put me in hiding at a friends' house because of the stalking and his breaking into my house on a regular basis. The police weren't much help.

    My mother and I communicated every few hours because he was calling her constantly, threatening both of us. She even kept a log, of course inadmissiblein court. While we were on the phone January 6 1979, she had a knock at her door and set the phone down. I could hear while he bludgeoned her to death. He was charged with first degree murder, but plea bargained guilty to negligent homicide and did less that 6 months in county jail. During his incarceration he testified against a fellow cellmate accused of killing a little girl. That guy evidently had confessed to my ex-boyfriend, my mother's killer.

    My family is certain a deal was made. The whole experience split my family up pretty bad. Several of my siblings blame me for bringing him into our lives. I don't know where he is today and he doesn't know where I am (I hope). It's been 25 years, so I doubt if he's looking. My siblings have no concept of what the life is like of an abused woman. All you do is try to survive that day. Walking on eggshells, buying time. Being stalked and having my mom killed like that and him getting away with it is with me everyday, but I do have a good life today and just wanted to share this with you.

    Sincerely,
    Patti

26. Dear Predator producers,

    I have a wonderful and sadly enough, true story, for you and your show. my youngest sister was stalked for a year and then murdered by her stalker. He harassed her for a year, she was on the run. She moved to a different state and he found her and killed her.

    Her name was Peggy Klinke. She has been gone for a year and half and I still cannot make sense of this horrible crime called stalking, and why it continues to slip under the radar of law enforcement and filed away like some traffic stop. Her last year on earth was a living nightmare, always running from Patrick, afraid to answer a phone, afraid to drive or walk anywhere, continuously vomiting and getting very little sleep. My beautiful 32 year old sister aged 10 years in 8 months.

    Patrick has taken her life, but he won't take mine!! I am out on the fight against stalking and making tougher stalking laws.

    You can view my sister's story on the Lifetime web site, at http://www.lifetimetv.com/community/olc/violence/roll_call.html

    Thank you for your time,
    Debbie

27. I had a stranger-stalker for 5 years. I had to leave my home state and put 1300 miles between us to get rid of him. Due to living in a small town and who his mom and dad are he is still out there. I had all the proof in the world, but the "good ol boy" system prevails in east Texas.

    I am permanently damaged mentally and emotionally from this. The thing that helped me the most is that I refuse to be anyone's victim and I educated myself as much as possible about these sick twisted creatures that share our planet.

    There is not enough info on this subject so I am glad to see your site! Bringing these ******** out of the shadows into the public eye has got to be a positive!!!!

28. I was a victim of life. I was left on a rooftop at the age of two and lived in over twenty foster homes. Raped at five in one home, molested in other foster homes. In my days, men in homes were not checked out. I married at 21 just to have a roof over my head, which was wrong. My husband abused me physically and mentally. He left me and then wanted me back, however, I would not take his abuse anymore. Due to my sexual abuse, my second marriage was over after twenty-three years. At fifty, I hate sex. My self-esteem is very low.

    But praise the Lord; I use my upbringing to help others. I'm a police corporal. I have been an officer for nineteen years and all odds were against me becoming anything. It's hard having no family at all, but I must say this; I do have a great police family and church family.

    My past was very hard but it was for a reason. I now help others who are victims of rape, battered women, and those who have no family. I can relate, and I love my job.

    Please don't ever give up. I have no children, as I feared not being a good parent since I didn't have a family life and the foster homes in my day were very hard on me emotionally.

    Always hold your head up high. God does not make junk. No one today should be a victim. God bless all of you.