A fresh start gone wrong, innocence shattered: The cost of surviving cancer, betrayal, trapped and crushed by debt

By 36, I was a widow from Eastern Europe. My hope for better life quickly became a dread. In the hands of a silver-tongued immigrant, my prince turned out to be Mr. Oh So Wrong, calling me "Stupid" or "Behave, woman!" instead of my name. I was abused, controlled, isolated and silenced. Worst was our daughter’s betrayal, who deserves a life free from trauma, self-harm, experiences no child should ever know. In April 2019 during my cancer, I was abandoned, amidst the agonising chemotherapy. Left alone to God’s mercy, I fought for my life and my children’s safety with no family, money, food, or transport.

I discovered he took $69 000 from my terminal illness payout into his personal account-money for therapies outside the public health that could prevent the disabilities I now have. I’m cancer-free now.

6 years of court procedures, I’m now $145,000 in legal fees debt. I had legal aid, only to discover appalling breaches of trust, leading to a urgent change to an experienced private lawyer, having only 2 weeks before a critical hearing.

I used all I had, withdrew my KiwiSaver. I didn't expect this to be dragged so long.

The court ordered no contact for him and my girl. Oh So Wrong is now appealing, incurring more overwhelming costs to my legal debt.

I ask for your generous compassion by which, you help us also raising awareness about domestic violence. This story could happen to anyone—behind closed doors, across backgrounds, regardless of gender, age, or status.

Pay it forward!