Melissa’s story

I am a mother of four children. I lost nearly 10 years to domestic abuse, my children witnessed things no child should and I have to live with that for the rest of my life.

It can happen to anyone as abuse doesn’t see race, age or gender. If you are brave enough to report a perpetrator you then face the fear of the unknown.

I chose to report my ex-partner after he physically assaulted our youngest child, who was three at the time. I had to put up with so much physical, sexual and mental abuse I am now a shell of the person I once was.

I thought if he was just doing this to me then the kids were OK. In hindsight the children suffered just as much as I did.

He was arrested and bailed to his parents’ house in the next street. I had to pass this house four times a day to do my school run.

The help and support I received at Stevenage was a really positive experience. Knowing that I had someone to listen and give advice, gave me a safety net and I didn’t feel alone. They have a very difficult job and I will always be grateful to them. Also Tania Stokes from the council works so hard and her help was invaluable, there is help out there, just sadly not enough.