Standing up to abuser has changed my life

SOPHIE DOUGHTY on how a domestic abuse survivor has been hailed an inspiration after sharing her story

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BEATEN, controlled, terrified and broken, domestic abuse left Gemma Laidler a shadow of her former self.

The 40-year-old said she was transformed from a strong, independent woman into a frightened victim after getting together with bullying and manipulative Ryan Grundy, who would go on to strangle her in the home they shared. But standing up to her abuser and seeing him jailed has changed Gemma's life in ways she could never imagine.

Gemma has been hailed as an "inspiration" to others and has been invited to work with several campaign groups and charities. The brave survivor shared her story, and CCTV of the abuse she suffered, on TikTok, prompting other victims to get in touch for advice and support.

A council in Yorkshire contacted Gemma to ask her to work with them on their own domestic abuse campaigns. And after the charity Feeding Families read Gemma's story, she was invited to work with them and attend an event for Inspirational Women, last week.

Gemma said: "I'm over the moon and overwhelmed that people see me as that, but to me I'm just being myself. I'm taking that power back.

"When I was in that relationship I wasn't myself. I feel like I'm coming back to my normal self now, and giving other people a voice.