Dear friends, family and kind strangers,

 

My name is Vanessa and I'm Nigerian.

 

I never ever imagined that I would be here — pouring my heart out to complete strangers like this and so publicly — but right now, I am exhausted, afraid and fighting for my life and the lives of my 2 beautiful children.

 

Only a handful of people actually know what I’ve endured and what I'm going through now. I am in an abusive and terrifying situation that is causing me to become isolated, silenced and deeply wounded. Despite this, I have found the courage to speak out for the sake of my children and my own survival.

 

Just a few weeks into my pregnancy, my father tore our wonderful, happy home apart. Out of bitterness and  to gain total control of my life, he manipulated my husband, spread lies and destroyed my marriage — leaving me alone when I needed support the most. His intention was to punish me and force my mother and siblings to submit to his violent authority.

 

Only a few days ago, I was 8 and half months pregnant and about to give birth to my beautiful son. The doctors had diagnosed me with placenta abruption, which is a dangerous condition that sometimes requires a cesarean section. Unfortunately, for several days, I wasn’t able to go to my medical checkups due to lack of money and physical exhaustion. I live in fear constantly receiving threats — even from strangers — demanding that I hand over my daughter to my father and ex-husband. They are trying to take my children from me by force.

 

I have worked on farms, walked miles to sell goods, and done all that I can to survive whilst being heavily pregnancy, even with pain and bleeding. I am doing everything in my power to hold on, but I’m at the end of my tether and have lost all my strength.

 

The justice system in Nigeria is not kind to women like me. To report my husband's heinous act to the police, get a lawyer, secure protection and take legal steps to keep my children safe, I’ve been told that I need about NGN3.8 million (roughly US$2,200). I don’t have that kind of money, but I do have hope and I have faith in the kindness of strangers.

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I have always been a mother, not just to my own daughter, but to anyone else's whom I’ve met - whoever is in need. I was raised with compassion and that quality has helped me care for others and even save some lives. Unfortunately, now it time for me to reach out to get the help that I desperately need in my Darkest Hour.

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Please, if you cannot make a donation then I implore you to share my story. Let it reach someone who can help me. I would like to receive help whilst I am still alive, before it’s too late. If I lose my children then I don’t know what I’ll do. More importantly, if they lose me then surely they won't survive in this harsh world motherless.

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To my dear friends — LeeAnn, Julie and Ugomma — and all those standing by me, thank you for your love. To anyone reading this, thank you for listening. It has taken everything in me to speak out today so  please don’t let me fall or fail my children.

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Mothers, sisters, brothers, fathers — I’m asking you to stand with me now. Help me fight for freedom and justice. Help me protect my children and their future. Please help us to survive.

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I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the donation that you make today.

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With all my heart and hopefulness,

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Vanessa