Divorce -Away From Domestic Abuse

Imagine coming home every evening in complete fear of what your evening might entail.  Having your stomach in knots, unknowing of what might happen when you walk through the door to your own house. What would transpire behind those closed doors where no one else could see? Would my husband be cheerful, would it be a good night? OR would it be like most nights where I was scared of my every move, that any certain action or thing that I did would set him off in a raging fit? One wrong move, word, or even the wrong look could set him off in a mad fury that would lead to screaming, arguing, and quite often me lying on the floor, hurt, and/or in tears.  This is how most of my days went by, at least during the last 6 months of my marriage.  I had been married for 7 years and with the same man for 13 years. Through that time span I have been both emotionally scared and physically abused.  I’ve been put down, told how worthless and useless I am along with being slapped, punched, kicked, and choked to the point of passing out several times.  All this happened sometimes even in front of our son.  
          I was so fearful for my safety that I had even dismissed the idea of leaving. I had no idea how to stop this or even where to start.  Yes, I did put up with it for a long time. I kept thinking that I could change him or that the situation would improve….until finally, I had reached my breaking point.  I had been through so much. Not only was it me going through the abuse, but I’d witnessed several animals that he’d taken out his anger on, as well, as finally our son.  That was it, I finally had to take a stand, so on September 24th, 2014, I made the decision not to return home until I knew it was safe. I took out a protection order against my husband and had him removed from my home. My son and I were finally safe. 
          I have been through a lot in this past year, but I’ve come to the conclusion that my decision to leave him was the best thing that I could have ever done for me and my son.  It hasn’t been an easy road. I’ve had many things I’ve had to cope with. Therapy helped with some of it, but mainly it’s been the support of my family and friends that has carried me through. I’m so very thankful and blessed to have those people in my life that have carried me through my rough times.  I could not have done it on my own.
          So, I have now been separated for over a year and can now finally get my divorce.  I just want this to be over as soon as possible.  Since I have moved out of our trailer in Cana, VA, we no longer share any property together and the courts have already made a decision on child custody, so this should be a pretty easy divorce, I’m hoping. I plan on filing myself, without a lawyer. Even without one, though, there are court costs and fees involved. $350 will cover these costs. I have been in a financial struggle since moving and trying to be a single mother and get back on my feet. I really need this divorce to be done with as quickly as possible, though, preferably before the end of the 2015 calendar year. I was hoping that I might be able to get some donations to help me do this. If everyone chips in a tiny amount (like a few dollars), it should all add up and I could be free from this burden before much longer.   Any monetary amount will be greatly appreciated and you can rest assured that it is going for a great cause. Thank you in advance for all your support and help.  I love you guys!