Jessica’s Husband Frequently Raised His Hand Against Her, and After the Birth of Their Daughter the Situation Only Became Worse

8th February

Sometimes I marvel at how remarkably humble my beginnings were, coming from a little English village where a one-bedroom flat cost barely a few quid. I managed to quietly buy such a flat of my own, all the while keeping it a secret from my husband. He never had the faintest clue.

Whilst he was away on business, my daughter was born. I gave birth in an ordinary NHS hospital but told him it was a private clinic, purely to keep up appearances. Truthfully, I was so careful with the money he sent me for the household always stretching every pound as far as I could. When he was home, the fridge overflowed with joints of beef, fish from the market, and all manner of treats. But as soon as he left, the frugality resumed without fail.

I never bought brand-new things for my daughter either. There was always the kindness of friends, charity shops, or online bargains to rely on. Thats how I managed to save enough for the little flat in the first place. Whenever I needed to slip off to work in secret, Mum would come round and mind the little one for me. My husband only had himself to blame, really. I did everything he asked, dutiful and quiet, just as he liked; I was the country girl and he, the city gent, forever barking out his instructions.

But over time, fear began to take hold. I knew, deep down, that one day he might finally go too far, that his temper might turn dangerous and that it could be the end for me.

I became so skilled at making ends meet; buying two apples for my daughter and claiming to him that Id bought a whole bag. It took me two and a half years to save up what I needed. Then, one day when he was off yet again on another of his work trips, I packed up what little we had, bundled up my daughter, and fled. Id filed for divorce only the day before.

Afterwards, he tried everything to win us back. Sometimes his calls were full of hollow promises, insisting family life would be different now. At other times, his voice was icy and threatening, vowing he’d never give up trying to reclaim us, at any cost.

Not long after, I discovered hed found someone new a university student. My gut tells me hell treat her just as he did me.

Despite everything, I never betrayed him. Every penny I put away was well and truly earned. There were countless days when I barely ate just so I could hold onto a little more for my daughter and me. Looking back, its clear I had no other escape. I had to save myself and my precious girl.