Finding My Voice Again: Michelle's Journey Through an Abusive Marriage, Motherhood, and Healing

A Gentle Note

This story contains experiences of emotional abuse, trauma, and difficult family circumstances. Reader discretion is advised.

While some parts of this journey may be challenging to read, we share this story with permission

in the hope that another mother may feel seen, understood, and less alone.

HER Voice

My name is Michella Chua, and I am a mother to two beautiful daughters, aged six and three.

When I became a mother, I imagined building a loving and safe home for my children. Instead, I found myself trapped in a marriage marked by abuse, fear, and betrayal.

The violence began just seven days after my wedding.

What started as physical aggression soon became a cycle of blame and manipulation. I was hit, pushed, dragged, and repeatedly told that everything was my fault. Over time, I began to believe it. I convinced myself that if I changed, perhaps things would improve.

But they never did.

For years, I moved between fear and hope. There were times I sought refuge with my parents, believing I would never return.
Yet I always found myself going back, hoping things would be different, hoping my family could stay together.

One of the most traumatic incidents happened in 2022.

During a disagreement, I was pushed into a door. When I fell, I was kicked in the stomach so hard that I was thrown backwards into a table, breaking it. I was then dragged across the floor while being blamed for what had happened.

I remember feeling terrified and helpless. That night, I called my father crying for help.

Something inside me broke. Even then, when apologies came and promises were made, I gave another chance.
I wanted to believe things could change. But the turning point came when the violence affected my children.

HER Story

Walking away was not easy.

I filed for protection and gave every opportunity for change. Despite counselling and support being offered, accountability never came. Instead, the blame continued.

Today, I am navigating divorce while raising my daughters largely on my own.
The emotional, physical, and financial responsibilities rest heavily on my shoulders.

There have been moments that continue to hurt deeply.

My daughter is now fearful of her father. One day, when she unexpectedly saw him, she ran away crying. As a mother, witnessing that fear in your child leaves a mark on your heart that words can hardly describe.

Looking back, I realise I stayed longer than I should have because I believed change was possible.

What I know now is this:

• Abuse rarely gets better on its own. It often becomes worse.

• You are not responsible for someone else's violence.

You deserve to feel safe. And your children deserve safety, too.

HER Growth

While I am still walking through this chapter of my life, I have learned that healing is not about reaching a destination. It is about taking one step forward each day, even when the road feels uncertain.

Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to have a strong support system around me. There is one friend in particular who truly understands what I am going through. During moments when I felt defeated, this friend reminded me of my strength. When I struggled to find the confidence to speak up, especially during legal proceedings, they encouraged me to find my voice and stand firm in my truth.

Their support reminded me that I did not have to carry everything alone.

One thing I am most proud of is the peace I have found within myself despite everything that has happened. Every day, I choose to guide my daughters and myself through the journey of healing. It is not always easy, but every small step forward matters.

Motherhood has shaped my strength in ways I never imagined. It has taught me to be resilient, to appreciate the little things, and to remain grateful even during life's most difficult seasons.

Today, being a strong mother means creating a sense of safety and security for my children. It means being their anchor when life feels uncertain and showing them that strength is not about never facing hardship, but about continuing to move forward through it.

I am also deeply grateful for the mentors and positive influences who have entered my life. They have shown me how to stay positive, how to position myself in difficult situations, and how to step outside my comfort zone. Their guidance has helped me grow into a stronger and more confident version of myself.

Even now, as I continue navigating this chapter, I remain hopeful. I believe there is light in every dark moment.

I have learned that emotional stability, inner peace, and hope are some of life's greatest gifts. No matter how difficult things become, I choose to trust that every experience is part of a larger journey of growth and learning.

To another mother who may be facing something similar, I want to say this:

Talk to someone. Do not keep everything inside. The darkness may feel overwhelming right now, but there is light waiting on the other side. Take one step at a time. Be brave enough to ask for help. Be strong enough to believe that you deserve better. Most importantly, never lose hope.

One day, I hope my daughters will understand why I made the choices I did. I hope they will know that every decision came from a place of love and protection. And above all, I hope they grow up knowing how to stand up for themselves, protect themselves, and recognise their own worth.

Because no woman deserves to be abused. Every woman deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.

HER Growth

About The Babies Cue

The Babies Cue is a Singapore-founded mothers’ community built on Her Voices, Her Stories, and Her Growth.

We provide trusted educational and emotional support for mothers from pre-pregnancy through postpartum and early childhood. Combining credible resources with authentic insights from real mothers.

Built by mothers and led by mothers, The Babies Cue is a safe and transformative space where women come together to share, learn, and grow.

For media enquiries, partnerships, or collaboration opportunities, please contact hello@thebabiescue.com.

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