A brave survivor, Chantelle Holloway, has come forward to share her harrowing experience of domestic abuse at the hands of her ex-partner Declan Slocombe. The conviction of Slocombe has prompted Chantelle to raise awareness and warn others about the dangers of domestic abuse. Holloway revealed that during their 10-month relationship, she endured physical violence, threats, and control by Slocombe, which left her feeling fortunate to have escaped alive.
Chantelle recounted how she met Slocombe when she was only 18 and in a vulnerable mental state. Their relationship progressed rapidly, with Slocombe showering her with affection and attention, even going as far as publicly declaring their commitment on social media. Despite feeling uncomfortable with the intensity of Slocombe’s actions, Chantelle found herself drawn to his kindness and attentiveness in person, ultimately leading to their relationship becoming more serious.
However, as time passed, Slocombe’s behaviour took a dark turn, with Chantelle experiencing verbal abuse, threats of violence, and manipulation. She described the fear and emotional turmoil she felt, knowing that leaving the relationship could have dire consequences for her and her loved ones. Slocombe’s threats, including to harm himself and Chantelle’s family, made it nearly impossible for her to break free from the toxic cycle of abuse.
The tipping point for Chantelle came when Slocombe turned physically violent, culminating in a terrifying incident where he strangled her, causing her to fear for her life. Despite the trauma, Chantelle summoned the courage to end the relationship in December 2022, meticulously planning her escape to ensure her safety. Slocombe’s subsequent arrest in March 2023 provided some relief, but Chantelle continued to struggle with the lingering effects of the abuse, including recurring nightmares and anxiety.
Following Slocombe’s conviction for coercive control, which spared Chantelle from a trial but led to a 12-month suspended prison sentence, she found a sense of closure and empowerment. The ordeal had taken a toll on her mental and physical well-being, but she gradually rediscovered joy and purpose in life. Small gestures, like being able to wear crystal stone bracelets again without fear of them being broken, became symbolic of her reclaiming her freedom and rebuilding her life.
Chantelle hopes that by sharing her story, she can inspire others to seek help and speak out against abuse. She emphasised the importance of initiatives like Clare’s Law, named after Clare Wood, a victim of domestic violence, which allows individuals to request information about their partner’s history of abuse. Despite the challenges she faced, Chantelle’s resilience and determination to break free from the cycle of abuse serve as a beacon of hope for survivors.
Her courage in coming forward and seeking justice not only brought closure for herself but also shed light on the pervasive issue of domestic abuse. Chantelle’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting survivors, raising awareness, and holding abusers accountable for their actions. As she continues on her journey of healing and recovery, Chantelle’s experience stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of those who refuse to be silenced by abuse.