I Called the Police 169 Times During My Eight Years of Abuse Hell
Katy Longhurst shares her harrowing experience of domestic abuse and her journey to empowerment through technology
Katy Longhurst, Domestic Abuse, Jack, Kent, UK, Ask Joan
Kent: Katy Longhurst has been through a lot. She called the police 169 times during her eight years of abuse. It all started when she met Jack, who seemed charming at first. But soon, his true colors showed. He became controlling and abusive, making her feel trapped.
One night, after picking him up from a club, things took a turn. Jack saw her talking to a bouncer and accused her of cheating. He attacked her, leaving her with serious injuries. Katy felt guilty and thought it was her fault. She couldn’t admit the truth because she was stuck in a cycle of abuse.
For years, she covered up the signs. At work, she hid bruises and told people she was clumsy. Her neighbor even called the police when he heard Jack yelling, but Katy would lie to protect him. It was a tough situation, and she felt like she was losing her mind.
In 2014, after becoming pregnant, Katy finally ended the relationship. But Jack didn’t let go easily. He stalked her, sent nasty messages, and even broke into her home. It was a nightmare. She had to move to a refuge to feel safe, but even then, he found ways to harass her.
Eventually, she met a new partner who supported her. But Jack’s threats continued, and it took a toll on her mental health. Katy felt like she was always looking over her shoulder. It was exhausting, and she often wondered how she survived it all.
When she finally reached out to the police again, she met Detective Constable Oliver Tween. He believed her and took her case seriously. For the first time, someone was on her side. They gathered evidence against Jack, but in the end, he was deemed unfit to stand trial. That left Katy feeling like justice was never served.
Now, years later, she’s using her experience to help others. Katy created an app called ‘Ask Joan’ to assist victims of domestic abuse. It’s designed to alert someone when a person is in danger, using everyday household items. She wants to make it easier for people to get help without putting themselves at risk.
Katy’s journey hasn’t been easy, but she’s determined to share her story. She hopes it will empower others to recognize the signs of abuse and seek help. She’s come a long way, and while the scars remain, she’s ready to help others find their strength.