You gave me the strength to build a new life away from my abusive ex-husband

DEAR DEIDRE: I WROTE to you after my verbally and physically abusive husband kicked me and our six-year-old daughter out into the street with nothing.

We had been married for ten years. I’m 40 and my husband is 46.

I found myself in a refuge – partly thanks to the information in your Abusive Partner support pack.

Things were hard but we were safe.

But my husband said he wanted us back.

He claimed to have changed and said he’d get help with his anger.

You gave me the strength to listen to my gut instinct and not go running home – which would have been the easy thing to do.

You said he needed to prove himself through deeds, not words, and to question his motives.

I didn’t go back. Now I have been given my own council house, several hours away from him, and he doesn’t know where I am.

I’m also having therapy and have found a new job.

Thank you for helping me and my daughter to build a fresh life.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m in awe of your strength and so pleased you’ve broken away and are creating a better life for yourself and your daughter.