An 18-year-old mother has written to Coleen Nolan for advice after enduring a violent relationship with her on-off boyfriend of six years. She describes how his mother controls his finances and manipulates him, and how the boyfriend beat her in an attempt to cause a miscarriage. Despite a restraining order, she allowed him back for the birth, but he continues to threaten her with homelessness and neglects their six-month-old son.
The young woman says she has no job or family support and feels trapped because her boyfriend pays her bills. She is seeking work but has had no luck. Coleen Nolan responds by urging her not to give up and to remember the violence he inflicted. She advises her to seek support from friends and her local authority to understand what benefits she may be entitled to.
Nolan emphasises that the boyfriend's financial support is a form of control, not kindness, and that she must take small steps towards independence. She also warns that if any further violence occurs, she should call the police immediately to keep her baby safe. Nolan directs her to Refuge's National Domestic Violence Helpline for specialist support.
