Help Me & My Kids Start Over After Leaving Abuse

Hi,

I'm a mom of two, trying to build a better life for me and my kids.

Two months ago, I left my abusive husband after 11 years together. It was one of the scariest and hardest decisions I've ever made, but it was the right one - for me and, most importantly, my children.

We're starting over from scratch right now, and I could use some help to get us back on our feet.

What We Need Help With

Your support would help cover the basics so we can have some breathing room to figure out what's next. Here's what we're looking at:

I'm managing to cover rent in a small two-bedroom apartment, but I'd love to have a few months of rent money saved up so I can use my income to cover other expenses. Later, I'd like to find a slightly bigger, more comfortable space for us.

Things like a washing machine, pots, pans, curtains, a couch, and WiFi. Right now, we're getting by with a microwave, linens in front of the windows, and hand-washing clothes, but these little things would make such a big difference.

Clothes for me - I've lost about 10 kg since leaving, so I don't have much that fits anymore, and I look bummy. The kids are okay for now (thankfully, I was able to get them some new things after we left), but I'd love to replace a few basics for myself.

I'm going through a divorce, and it's been tough. I've already spent $240 on legal help, but now I'm trying to navigate it without a lawyer because I can't afford one. Having a lawyer again would give me a much better shot in court.

I also have about $250 in debt that I'd like to pay off.

After everything I've been through - years of emotional, physical, and financial abuse, plus childhood trauma - I'd love to see a therapist. I've already found a local one that seems great.

School fees, gas, food, insurance, and toiletries. I'd also love to keep my oldest in her extracurricular activities since she's good at what she does. I don't want her to lose more than she already did.

A Little Bit About Me

Life hasn't been easy. I was emotionally and sexually abused as a child, bullied in school, and then groomed by a 27-year-old man when I was 14. When I met my husband at 17, I thought I'd finally found safety, but I was wrong.

At age 21, I was married with my first child. By this time, I'd already endured emotional and physical abuse in my marriage.

Two years later, we lost our second baby - a stillbirth after a uterine rupture.

Things got worse from there. My husband started using drugs (I was unaware since he was a functioning addict and only found out when our third was about a year old), and the abuse escalated - emotionally, financially, and physically.

I stayed through everything because I was scared. Scared of what would happen if I left and scared of how I'd make it on my own.

Then, I got pregnant with our third child, and things got better. It was a high-risk pregnancy, and about 5 months in, we decided that it was better if I quit my job since my salary was so small. I started freelance writing to generate some income and used this to help pay bills, so I saved nothing.

About two years after our third was born, I found out that my husband had been having affairs since while I was pregnant (and possibly even before) and went for a few HIV tests during the time he was having affairs, exposing me all the time since he never abstained from sex with me or used protection.

At first, I tried to forgive him. I stayed out of fear and not seeing a way out, thinking things would get better after the promises he made. But they didn't. The lies, the fights, and the abuse only got worse.

About 3 months ago, I discovered more lies and started working on an escape plan. My husband picked up on my reluctance to have sex with him, and after I refused to argue with him and he saw that I was done with our marriage, he threatened me and gave me a black eye. That was it. I packed up my kids and booked us into a guesthouse.

Since then, we've been on our own, and it's been tough. I'm earning $300–$500 monthly from freelance writing, which isn't enough to cover everything right now while I wait for the courts to re-open in January so I can apply for maintenance (although my husband already threatened to quit his job, so I can't).

Why 30,000?

I know it's a lot to ask, but this amount would help us in so many ways:

How You Can Help

I know times are tough, but if you're able to help in any way, it would mean so much:

Donate: Every little bit makes a difference, and I'll be forever grateful.

Share: Please share this with your friends, family, or anyone who might want to help.

Hire Me: I'm a freelance writer and would be happy to create blog posts, social media captions, or anything else you need in exchange for a donation. DM me on TikTok.

From the Heart

I'll be honest - asking for help is not easy for me. I've always been the type to keep my struggles private, but I know I can't do this alone.

This isn't just about surviving - it's about giving my kids a better life and a mom who's strong, healthy, and hopeful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for caring, and for helping, even if it's just a prayer. It means the world to us.

I promise to use these funds responsibly and provide updates on our journey.