Hi, my name is Rehana. I recently separated from my husband of 22 years years through an Order of Protection (full stay away). He physically, mentally and emotionally abused me and my 4 children for years. 3 weeks ago there was an incident in our home. We got into an argument which led to him throwing many pieces of furniture around the house, including a chair which he threw violently to the ground and its leg broke off, almost hitting my 16 year old daughter. He then proceeded to call the cops and say that my kids and I are harassing him. Luckily, my 16 year old daughter recorded the whole incident on her phone, which we then showed the cops. They arrested him right away and sent him to criminal court.

He was the main source of income in my household because he wouldn’t let me work. He has gambled almost $200,000 in these past few years through casinos. He has sold my jewelry, taken my childrens’ tuition money, and lost it all on gambling.

I am now a single mom of 2 college students, a high schooler (who’s going to college in the fall) and a 6 year old. I am struggling to pay their tuition fees, rent and bills, despite trying to work 2 jobs. We are being forced to leave our rental home in 2 months because I am unable pay the rent. I don’t know how I will pay for these all expenses. I feel lost. I have no experience in the real world because he controlled my freedom ever since we got married.

I want a better life for my kids and I, I want them to be happy and successful in the future. I don’t want this financial instability to prevent them from getting an education. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.