"I know places in the mountains where they'll never find you"
A harrowing story of how almost a decade's long relationship was built on lies, threats and manipulation
*Trigger Warning: Domestic abuse*
This story is so shocking and so layered and complex that I truly still find it hard to get my head around. It’s a terrifying account of being lied to for so long and in so many ways that your whole life is called into question.
The amazing woman who found herself at the centre of this kindly agreed to speak to me under the condition of anonymity, so I have changed names and other identifying details to ensure her privacy and safety.
** Indicates name or details changed
How did you first meet?
I split up with my ex husband John* when Luke*, our baby, was around five months old. I was living in Galway alone with a tiny child, John was taking Luke every second weekend. I had just gone back to work full time with Luke in a crèche, and to top it all off John was still working in my office so I had to look at him everyday. I had no family around me, my confidence was shattered, I was wondering ‘how the f*ck am I going to raise this tiny baby on my own, cope with work and negotiate a marriage break up?’. I was lonely and terrified. I really was at a LOW ebb.