Domestic Violence Family/Five children/ Struggling

In 2010, I managed to somehow leave a domestic violent household after 15 years of marriage with five young children. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I finally got the courage and my exhusband was arrested. He was then arrested twice more for violating orders of protection.Since his arrest and removal from our family home, he stopped paying all bills including our mortgage. We were left without any resources to live. Our home went into foreclosure, our utilities went off and I was forced to go on Public Assistance which took six months for approval.We were evicted from our family home, leaving practically all of our belongings behind. I scrambled to find housing for the six of us, even though I was unemployed and penniless. My exhusband is in contempt of Supreme Court for about $200,000 and counting in arrears. We struggle day to day. It is extremely hard to get basic necessities. We have been luckily getting help from our local church, firehouse and schools. Right now, I cannot pay our rent or utility bills due this month.I have managed to get by since 2010 but I am in desperate need right now to get through this month without becoming evicted once again. It would be devasting a second time for the children.

The rent was due today and I do not have enough. Our electric bill and water bill are over due and I borrowed some money for a small amount of oil because we were cold. Our car insurance is going to lapse, and I can't even get my 14 year old son a pair of sneakers this month. He has been asking because his current ones hurt when he walks.

I do have a court date in March, after almost 3 years of fighting for justice I am hoping and praying that the court will demand payments. However, March can't come soon enough and I am desperate. My children are all top, honor students, well known in our community for their good character and kindness. I have never let them see me worry. I always stay positive and tell them that anything is possible but now I have used up any resources I had. They deserve better than this and have suffered so much.

Most women stay in relationships incolving domestic violence because the system is flawed to help when they do finally get the courage. Many times they are left homeless, penniless and with young children to care for. It is very frightening. My dream was to be able to encourage other women like me to do what I did. I also want my own children to see that we can make it through this and that we all will be better and stronger people as a result.

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