In a distressing tale of resilience, Lois Griffiths shares the chilling account of abuse she endured from her ex-partner, Dominic Wesley. Lois, from Mountain Ash, bravely reveals her struggles, aiming to shed light on the grim realities of domestic violence and prevent others from experiencing similar horrors.
Lois’s relationship with Wesley began in their late teens and seemed normal at the outset. However, everything changed in 2017 when Lois fell pregnant. Wesley’s behaviour transformed, drawing Lois into a cycle of fear and manipulation that would last for years. She recalls how his actions escalated to violence, including a terrifying incident where he injured her in an intimate area, and another where she found herself locked outside her home, vulnerable and exposed.
Despite moments of separation, Wesley’s coercive control persisted, as he manipulated her back into the toxic relationship. Lois recounts multiple frightening occurrences, describing Wesley’s tendency to turn up uninvited, smear fruit in her face, drag her by her ankles, and even invade her home to assault her.
The turmoil reached its peak in 2024, with Lois unable to escape the fear he instilled. Wesley’s arrest came after he broke into her home once again, leading to his conviction and a 21-month prison sentence. Though he’s behind bars, Lois admits the emotional scars remain.
Through her story, Lois hopes to warn others about the tactics of abusers and the importance of recognising coercive control. Her courage in speaking out serves as a powerful reminder of the strength required to overcome such adversity.
If you or anyone you know is affected by domestic abuse, there are resources available to help, including the Live Fear Free helpline at 0808 80 10 800. Let’s join together to raise awareness and support survivors in their journey towards healing and safety.