Ayrshire mum of two living in fear that her violent ex will murder her

A mother of two in Ayrshire is living in constant fear that her violent ex-partner may one day take her life despite her efforts to alert the authorities about the danger he poses to her and their two sons, aged 12 and six. The 35-year-old mother, known as ‘Vicki,’ has come forward amidst a recent report revealing a surge in domestic abuse incidents in Ayrshire, reaching the highest level in the past decade with a 7.5% increase last year. Official figures disclosed 4,698 domestic abuse cases reported by the police across the county in 2023-24.

Vicki expressed her concerns by stating, “It’s going to take something bad to happen before people listen to me. What I mean is this – he’s going to kill me, maybe even one of my sons, because that’s who he really is. People will start to listen when it’s too late.” Despite her attempts to seek help, Vicki feels let down by the criminal justice system in handling her case and protecting her and her children.

She detailed the ongoing violence she has faced since her separation in 2017, narrating incidents of physical abuse towards her and their sons by her ex-partner. Despite his repeated breaches of bail conditions and involvement in assaults, Vicki expressed disappointment in the legal outcomes, with her ex-partner only receiving a fine for one charge of assault.

Vicki highlighted the lack of support from authorities, the toll the situation has taken on her family, and the emotional and financial struggles she faces since their separation. She called for more severe consequences for her ex-partner’s actions, emphasising the need for the justice system to prioritise victims’ safety and well-being.

She appealed directly to Siobhian Brown MSP, Victims Minister, urging for improved support for families enduring domestic abuse situations and advocating for a fairer balance in addressing perpetrators. While Brown could not comment on individual cases, she assured ongoing efforts by the Scottish Government to enhance support services for victims of domestic abuse and improve the justice system’s response to such cases.

Vicki’s story sheds light on the harrowing experiences of many survivors of domestic abuse and underscores the critical need for comprehensive support and effective legal interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of victims and their families.

Insights:
Domestic violence remains a pressing issue affecting countless individuals and families, often leading to devastating consequences. The courage shown by survivors like Vicki in sharing their stories is essential in raising awareness and advocating for better protection mechanisms and support services. Addressing domestic abuse requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal reforms, enhanced victim support, and community awareness initiatives to effectively combat this pervasive issue. The resilience and persistence of survivors in seeking justice and safety deserve recognition and proactive responses from authorities and society as a whole.