A struggling single mother rises above the storms of life with the help of dedicated social workers from City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA). Sarah shares her testimony of how she overcame domestic violence at home and found renewed hope for the future.
“I am a divorcee with a 21-year-old child.
“Due to my poor health, I often fell sick and was retrenched from my job as a factory worker. This was very hard for my family as I was the sole breadwinner.
“My ex-husband had a very bad temper. I was often beaten up by him when he was unhappy. Whenever he failed in his business ventures, he would depend on me to supply income for the family. He would also fool around with other women. I kept quiet to keep my family together.
“When my child turned 18, my husband’s new business venture failed. He decided to sell the HDB flat to repay his debts. We would quarrel over this matter and it ended up with him scolding and beating me. Due to the frequent beatings, up to today, I sustain a permanent neck injury.
“Not long after that period, my child attempted suicide due to a failed relationship. Things between my husband and I worsened. My child and I were eventually chased out of our own house. It was during this time that CHCSA came to know about us. We were introduced to a social worker and she was a great help by seeing me through this difficult period.
The social worker would visit my child at the hospital everyday and patiently bring me around to look for a new place. I also decided to file for separation because of my husband’s abuse and affairs. This was not an easy decision for me. She was always there to listen to me as I poured my heart out to her. Even when we stayed at a shelter, she would continue to visit us.
Another social worker from CHCSA also visited me as I moved from place to place. As I was not earning much as a cleaner, she arranged for financial aid to help me with the rental of my flat, and for groceries for my family.
When my mum passed away at the beginning of this year, the workers came down to support me. I was very close to my mother and her departure was a great loss to me. They were there to listen to me and encouraged me. When I applied for a HDB flat this year, they were also there to assist my family with the paperwork.
Today, I am more hopeful about life. I am thankful that I can still earn an income and have a roof over my head. I would like to thank CHCSA for helping me through those very difficult years.
Thank you for your support, belief and love for me. I can continue to live and walk through life with courage because I know there are always people who are standing by my side.”
