'There is hope, and there is a way out' says brave domestic abuse survivor

By Nadia Sayed 20th Oct 2026

Local News by Nadia Sayed 1 hour ago

"There is hope, and there is a way out" are the words of a brave survivor of abuse from a Leamington man.

The survivor, who is being kept anonymous to protect her identity, spoke out during her testimony about the controlling and coercive behaviour, violence, stalking, and threats she was subjected to. All of which saw Stuart Wilshire, aged 31, who lives on Portland Street in the town, jailed for 30 months on Monday, 12 October.

Following the sentencing, the abuse survivor hopes that by sharing her story and highlighting the impact of domestic abuse, she will remind other survivors that they are not alone.

She shared: "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.