Abused and Broken: A Survivor’s Story of Domestic Violence
A young woman’s harrowing experience with domestic abuse highlights the need for awareness and support.
Kayleigh, Callum Cummins, Wales, Domestic Abuse, Clare’s Law, Mental Health
Caerphilly: A young woman named Kayleigh has bravely shared her story of abuse at the hands of her ex, Callum Cummins. Their relationship started in a homeless hostel, and at first, it seemed perfect. But things quickly turned dark.
Kayleigh fell in love fast, but just three months in, the abuse began. He hit her and verbally tore her down. She was in a vulnerable place, living in a hostel, and thought he was the love of her life. It was hard for her to see the truth.
When she got pregnant, Cummins initially seemed excited. But the abuse didn’t stop. He would disappear for days, leaving her alone and scared. Even in the hospital, he showed no concern for her or their baby.
Things escalated when she became pregnant again. After a brutal attack in August, where he physically assaulted her in front of their child, she finally reached out for help. She recorded the incident, which lasted about 40 minutes, capturing his terrifying behavior.
After the attack, Kayleigh called a family member, and they contacted the police. She and her son were moved to a safe place, and Cummins was arrested. He later pleaded guilty to several charges and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Now, Kayleigh is trying to rebuild her life. She’s moving out of Wales to escape the memories and start fresh. But the emotional scars remain. She’s dealing with anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and she’s seeing a mental health nurse to help her cope.
Kayleigh wants to warn other women about the signs of abuse and encourage them to use Clare’s Law to check their partners’ backgrounds. She feels that sharing her story gives her some control over her past, even though it’s painful to relive.
She knows she may never fully heal from what happened. Trusting others again feels impossible, and she’s left feeling like a shell of her former self. But by speaking out, she hopes to help others who might be in similar situations.