'I am having to rewire my brain after abuse'

"One day I want to be able to see an arm raised to pick something up without flinching", a woman who survived a campaign of abuse has said.

The survivor, who is remaining anonymous to protect her identity, spoke out about the campaign of controlling and coercive behaviour, violence, and stalking she was subjected to by Stuart Wilshire.

Wilshire, 31, of Portland Street in Leamington, Warwickshire, also threatened to share images of her online and was jailed for 30 months on 12 October.

The abuse survivor said she has had to rewire her brain after her suffering but assured other victims that "there is hope" and "a way out".

"I am having to rewire my brain in situations that should be completely ordinary, and I am always preparing for the worst outcome," she said.

"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."

The survivor said she was learning that she can make decisions for herself and "I can take my time".

She hopes that by sharing her story it will highlight the impact of domestic abuse, and remind other survivors that they are not alone.

"I can have friends, I can have a life, I can exist without somebody else's judgement hanging over me," she said.

"I can be myself without shrinking myself to make somebody else comfortable."

She said that she has to consciously tell herself that she is safe and OK, and others have to reassure her.

"I find that embarrassing, but I know now that these are consequences of what I have lived through."

She added: "I will not let this define the rest of my life.

"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."

Warwickshire Police said the woman had spoken out "in the hope it helps to highlight the impact of domestic abuse, and that it reminds other survivors that they are not alone."

The force has encouraged other victims to come forward, either to police or independent organisations providing support.

If you have been affected by this story or would like support then you can find organisations which offer help and information at the BBC Action Line.

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