Thankfully Mel got in touch with Shelter and our adviser, Jasbinder, was able to help her protect her children by finding them a better place to live.

Jasbinder told the council they urgently needed to move the family out of the unsafe accommodation. After that, Mel’s family were quickly moved somewhere safer where they felt less at risk of an attack and where Olivia’s asthma was under control.

She made sure that the family were protected from any contact with her ex-husband and his associates, and that Mel’s children were protected when they attended court in two separate cases against her ex-husband.

Jasbinder supported Mel by ensuring that she did not have to pay the debts which her ex-husband owed and as money was tight for Mel we gave her children toys and gifts for Christmas.

She helped Mel to apply for social housing and Mel soon found a new permanent home far away from her ex-husband. It’s affordable and has enough room for her children to play in and do their homework.

Now that they are in a safe home the family can rebuild their lives. Mel’s older daughter can retake her A-levels, Olivia’s asthma is under control and she has space to play.

Mel’s family are safe now, but thousands of others like her still need your help right now.