Hi,
I was in a mental health hospital for 2 weeks being assessed last November, ex took all three of my children, 3 8 and 6.
He returned youngest in December and due to his constant harassment i moved to a refuge in Jan
In court proceedings re older two which he was refusing for me to see ( only phone calls)
Refuges are brilliant places.
They will help you get into contact with solicitors / sort out legal aid.
Through courts direct contact has arranged.
Refuges have curfews but you would be able to see your children as much as you wanted if your ex allows it?
My ex didnt hence court proceedings.
You may still need to go to court to officially sort out where and who they will live with.
Im in my second refuge as ex found out where i was.
The women are very kind and understanding overall from the support workers to the residents,but also go with your intuition.
You decide how much you want to interact, how much you want to open.
The freedom programme you do was very eye opening for me.
I wish I had known how great refuges were, the support is immense.
Take each day as it comes, i felt there s so much stigma around
- mental health
- domestic abuse
- being a single parent
I
I felt personally maybe i was "judgy" around my own lack of awareness around this until i experienced all three.
I was diagnosed as having an acute stress reaction.
You will find a lot of relief in being in a refuge after hospital
if you want more information please feel free to DM
Xxx