Brave abuse survivor speaks out after Leamington man is jailed
The brave survivor of a campaign of abuse from a Leamington man has spoken out after her testimony saw him jailed.
On Monday October 12, Stuart Wilshire, aged 31, of Portland Street was jailed for 30 months.
He had subjected a woman to a campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour, violence, stalking and had threatened to share intimate images of her online.
Following the sentencing the woman, who is being kept anonymous to protect her identity, has asked to share the following words, in the hope it helps to highlight the impact of domestic abuse, and that it reminds other survivors that they are not alone.
She said: “I am constantly saying sorry. I over-explain myself. I watch people’s faces for signs of disbelief, disinterest or anger and immediately start thinking about how I am going to respond.
“I am having to rewire my brain in situations that should be completely ordinary. I am always preparing for the worst outcome. I have to consciously tell myself that I am safe and that it is okay.
“Other people have to reassure me too. I find that embarrassing, but I know now that these are consequences of what I have lived through.
“One day I want to be able to see an arm raised to pick something up without flinching. One day I want to walk into a room without immediately scanning everybody’s emotions.
“One day I want to hear somebody say something without analysing every possible meaning behind it.
“I will not let this define the rest of my life. I am learning that I can make decisions for myself. I can take my time. I can have friends. I can have a life. I can exist without somebody else’s judgement hanging over me. I can be myself without shrinking myself to make somebody else comfortable.
“I want everyone reading this to know that if they’re going through the same thing there is hope and there is a way out.”
If anyone is experiencing domestic abuse they can call 101 or, if they are in immediate danger call 999.
There are also several independent support organisations who can help. For a list of them go to: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/support-organisations/