Trigger warning: abuse
From an outsider’s perspective, Evelyn Carter seemed to have a charmed life. As a photographer and mother of two, she lived atop a picturesque hill in Camden, Maine, with 175 acres of lush gardens and forests surrounding her. She frequently traveled with her then-husband, Max Carter, a renowned singer-songwriter celebrated for his timeless hit “American Dream.” However, behind closed doors, a different reality unfolded, as Evelyn was a victim of physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse.
“I met Max when I was 27, working as a newspaper reporter. He was passing through town, and I interviewed him for an article,” Evelyn shares with me over FaceTime, comfortably nestled in her plush armchair. “Everything happened so quickly. He invited me to his concert that night and professed his love for me right away. He even flew me out to see him the following weekend. It was like a fairytale.”
But soon, the fairytale turned into a nightmare. After leaving her job, selling her car, and sacrificing her independence, the abuse began.
“The night I moved in with him, I saw his temper for the first time,” Evelyn recalls. “I felt completely trapped. I had no job, no apartment, and no car. Once I became dependent on him, his anger surfaced. Before that, life was blissful.”
This pattern is not uncommon among abusers, who often charm their victims with gifts and affection before revealing their true colors. They create an illusion of love and care, manipulating their partners into submission. Once the bond is formed, the abuser seeks power and control, as was the case for Evelyn.
“He punched, kicked, and pulled my hair,” Evelyn reveals. “He would grip my head with both hands like it was in a vise. But the emotional abuse was even more damaging. The physical pain was severe, but the emotional scars lingered. I was constantly on edge for 29 years.”
Fortunately, in 2016, Max was arrested for domestic violence, allowing Evelyn to escape and start anew.
“The bail conditions that prohibited contact were my salvation,” she explains. “Finally, I had the space to clear my mind. I had been trying to leave for a year, but he would inundate me with texts and calls. The arrest provided me with clarity. The media attention made it harder for me to go back.”
However, the widespread coverage had its drawbacks.
“The hardest part of this public ordeal was that he used his celebrity status to spread false narratives,” Evelyn adds. “The press didn’t reach out to me for my side of the story. They acted irresponsibly. This is a significant issue in celebrity culture; the media often amplifies abusers’ voices.”
Despite the tumultuous past, Evelyn has no regrets. She radiates positivity and strength in our conversation. She transformed her painful experiences into a powerful mission. In 2019, she inadvertently established a nonprofit organization, Voices Unbound, dedicated to raising awareness about domestic abuse.
“Voices Unbound started as a photo exhibit,” Evelyn explains. “After my experience, I realized things needed to change. I wanted to reveal the truth. I captured portraits of 14 women who had faced abuse and recorded their stories. Initially, it was meant to be just an exhibit, but the response was overwhelming, and it evolved into a full-fledged nonprofit.”
When asked what advice she would offer to those in similar situations, Evelyn is firm. “If he is abusive, he cannot be a good father. It’s that simple. Abuse does not improve; it only worsens. Don’t minimize or excuse his behavior. A better life exists beyond the abuse, and help is out there.”
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you’re safe but need support, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a local abuse shelter. Contact a domestic violence hotline or connect with organizations like Voices Unbound, where survivors are ready to assist.
For more insights, you can check out our other blog post here.
Summary:
Evelyn Carter survived 29 years of abuse from her celebrity husband, Max Carter, but has transformed her experience into a mission to help others. After escaping her toxic relationship, she founded Voices Unbound, a nonprofit focused on breaking the silence around domestic abuse. Evelyn emphasizes the importance of recognizing abuse and seeking help, reminding victims that there is a life beyond their circumstances.
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