Abuse effects linger for mother of three

Unemployed, she faces having to move out of place she calls home

It was a September day when Valérie’s relationship with the father of her three children abruptly ended.

“I was a victim of domestic violence,” said Valérie. “He hit me in the face, right below the eye.”

Valérie is now the main provider for her three boys, who are ages 11, 9 and 4. It has been a tumultuous few months. The 32-year-old mother has recovered physically, but the psychological effects of abuse still linger.

“Sometimes, there is memory loss, short-term memory loss. I remember my name, my family and all of that but sometimes I forget what I ate at dinner,” Valérie says. “I know that I ate dinner but I can’t remember what.”

It has also been a financially overwhelming situation for Valérie since she separated from her husband.

She has been unemployed since November, and business has been so slow at her former workplace that she doesn’t expect to return to her job any time soon.

“I am in the red — my god,” Valérie says. “I have to choose between paying things.”

Valérie is among the thousands of people who will receive a $125 cheque from the Montreal Gazette Christmas Fund this year. The money helps families and individuals in need get through the holiday season.

What is hardest for Valérie is that she can no longer afford to stay in her current apartment — her family has been there for close to four years, the first place that she considered to be their home.

“I was renting based on the fact that we were two people, two salaries to cover the costs,” said Valérie. “I have to find something less expensive and therefore smaller.”

Despite the tight budget, Valérie says life is better since she separated

I do what is possible for my three boys. For my kids, there is always something to eat on the table.

from her husband.

“I do what is possible for my three boys. For my kids, there is always something to eat on the table.”

The money will help Valérie buy gifts for her sons and prepare a traditional Christmas dinner. She looks forward to spending the holiday season with her boys, having movie nights at home.

“Life always brings beautiful surprises, even if there are obstacles.”