Who am I?

I am a mother of a young daughter. I was verbally abused, physically assaulted, severely beaten whilst pregnant and lied to. My daughter’s also suffered injuries at the hand of my ex. The police did not take the case to court on my complaints. I would like to get justice for myself and my daughter through a private prosecution and the family courts. I am asking for your help.

What happened?

I married a man who, unknown to me, lied to me from the start about his past.  He then abused me over a period of numerous years, physically, emotionally and financially. In one of his numerous attacks he hit me over the head with a heavy mug. I suffered bad headaches because of it. When I was twenty weeks pregnant he hit me in the stomach with his elbow, causing vaginal bleeding. I was very scared for the baby (who happily was born healthy but the trauma is still there).

I went to the police but my husband’s sister persuaded me not to pursue the charges. I regretted this decision ever after – the abuse just carried on. My daughter, not yet one year old, was badly affected. She could not sleep properly and would place her hand on me to try to protect me when we slept together. When he hit me in the face, giving me a black eye and leaving a permanent mark, I called the police. Officers came to my house and took a statement but the matter went no further. I have lost faith in the police and authorities.

I managed to get help from Berkshire Women’s Aid. They helped me to apply for a Non-Molestation Order and an Occupation Order to remove my husband from the family home – both were granted.

It then transpired that my husband had been lying to me from day one about his marital status. He told me and my family that he had never been married before, I am  a devout Roman Catholic, however  my lawyer has obtained a statement from the Registrar of Marriages which confirms he was already married.

I still get flashbacks from when my husband abused me. I am traumatised.

My legal battle

The police were not prepared to pursue my case against my husband for domestic abuse and perjury. I have therefore engaged a barrister to seek justice by way of a private prosecution and the family court.

We have already done some of the groundwork but I have now run out of money to pay the legal costs. This case is critical to my future and my daughter’s welfare. It is also important to show abusive men that they cannot simply get away with their abuse due to failures in the system. Violence, abuse and lying in court by anybody is wrong. They must be pursued. Please help me.

I am asking for your support to bring my case to court.

Please help me. I am trying to raise £1500.