I am writing this appeal on behalf of a friend who has to remain anonymous due to ongoing court proceedings.

Emma (name changed for protection) is a senior NHS frontline worker with a beautiful three year old daughter.

Emma is a brave survivor of severe domestic and emotional abuse.

Emma needs YOUR help. Her violent and abusive ex husband is continuing his six year hate campaign via the UK courts in order to harass (and eventually bankrupt) his victim. He knows he can no longer physically harm her but he CAN use the court system to bully her. And this is something at which he is adept.

The next Court Hearing is in four weeks and this abusive monster is trying to gain custody of their daughter.

Why haven’t the police helped?

Her ex husband is a police officer and has thus far been (wrongly) protected on too many occasions. He has some influence in certain circles and has used this influence to stalk, bully, harass and terrify his ex-wife. Sadly, his daughter has learned to be terrified of the man she is supposed to call DAD.

Despite this, Emma has had some support from some local officers who understand her situation and are aware of the Jekyll and Hyde nature of her ex- husband - but they are limited as to what they can legally do to help.

Emma cannot receive Legal Aid funding due to her earning capacity. Over a three year period she has been forced to pay thousands in legal fees to fight a barrage of unnecessary court hearings insisted upon by her ex husband.

There is simply no money left to fight on. Her ex husband pretends he wants custody but the court hearings are just another mechanism by which he can continue a well established pattern of abuse.

Threatening to take a woman’s beloved child away from her is, surely, the ultimate form of punishment for ending a relationship?

All victims of domestic violence share one thing in common: they are brave, they are exhausted and they are bruised (inside and out).

All survivors of domestic abuse deserve our support. Speaking out is tough and going it alone with a child is even tougher. To hold down a job during such terrible circumstances is a feat of endurance.

Can you help Emma raise her target of £3000 so that she can successfully fight her ex husband in court and put an end to this dreadful situation once and for all? Any amount would help, however small. This monster cannot be allowed to continue destroying innocent lives. Emma needs a Barrister who will fight and win so that she and her darling daughter can finally move on with their lives and end this horrific saga.

Any amount will help - however seemingly insignificant. £1, £2 - all is so very gratefully received.

All of this can be verified on request. Please help.