A Home That Became Unsafe

When Shakinah, 32, married her husband last August, she hoped for a fresh start for her family. But by March, everything began to fall apart.

Her husband’s behaviour turned aggressive, especially towards her teenage son from a previous relationship. “He said he wanted to punch my teenager,” Shakinah recalled. “My natural instinct was to protect my child.”

The violence at home escalated. “It felt like everything I did in the marriage was wrong despite me trying so hard to provide for the family singlehandedly,” she said.

In August, after months of fear and uncertainty, Shakinah filed for a Personal Protection Order (PPO) and began divorce proceedings. She moved out to protect her four children aged 13, 10, 7 and 6. 

Starting Over in a Crowded Home

Since leaving the marriage, Shakinah and her children have been living in her mother’s three-room flat, where ten family members share the space. She is also in the process of finding a new rental home for her children and herself, and has reached out to her MP and HDB for guidance.

“I cannot afford to sacrifice the safety of my children,” she said. “If I have to manage everything by myself in this marriage, then what’s the point? I need to move on with my children.”

Trying to Keep the Family Together

Two of her younger children have been diagnosed with autism and ADHD. Shakinah spends most days attending to their needs, liaising with schools, and arranging assessments while awaiting their placement in special education programmes.

Before her termination in August, she worked in the early childhood sector. Frequent leave for her children’s appointments led to job loss. She has been proactive in seeking help, applying for SSO assistance, contacting MUIS, and even reaching out to a nearby church. She also attends parenting seminars to better support her children. “I want to be the pillar of support for my children so that they feel heard,” she said. 

Still, she remains hopeful about rebuilding her future. Once things stabilise, she hopes to return to the early childhood sector while working towards a WSQ certification in Early Childhood Intervention, drawing from her experience with her younger children. She also plans to complete her Class 3A driving licence so she can supplement the family’s income.

A Gap in Support

Shakinah’s separation has left her without financial help. Despite working as a Grab delivery rider, her ex-husband has refused to contribute, yet previously demanded that she pay for his meals and cigarettes, amounting to nearly $3,000 a month from her savings.

With no steady income, she struggles to manage daily expenses and travels frequently for her children’s schooling and medical needs. While she is currently receiving $1,700 in SSO assistance till October, there will be no support in November and December before her next application begins. This gap leaves her unable to cover utilities, groceries, and transport.

Why This Matters Now

The family has already been through immense emotional upheaval. A lapse in financial aid would further unsettle the fragile stability Shakinah has worked hard to build.

“We can move to a different home, and if it’s safer, why not?” she said. “It’s tough, but we can always start afresh because my kids are with me.”

How Your Support Will Help

Ray of Hope is raising $3,270 to help Shakinah and her four children manage essential expenses during this two-month gap. This will help her stay afloat during the transition, keeping her children safe and their basic needs met while she continues to rebuild their lives.

“I took the first step by moving out of our home, knowing it won’t be easy for me to move forward, but I want to do it for my children’s safety.”

Every choice Shakinah makes is guided by her children’s well-being. She just wants them to have what every child deserves:  stability, safety, and the chance to grow up without fear.

Together, we can help Shakinah and her children find steadiness again. And a home where they can finally feel safe, and at peace.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% uplift to account for card processing fees incurred by payment providers.