Battered…
I gave him a second chance, but then he beat me senseless
Hearing a knock at the door, I opened it – to no-one… But then I saw a single red rose on the step. Glancing up, I saw a trail of roses leading down the street… For me?
Curiosity got the better of me, so I followed the trail to a nearby field – where my ex, Jordan, 23, was waiting for me.
‘I’m so sorry for everything,’ he choked. ‘I just want you back.’
I hated to admit it, but it felt good to be back in his arms.
I’d first met Jordan when he was visiting the North Wales holiday park where I worked.
He lived in Huddersfield – but, by the time his holiday was over, we were in love.
Within two months, I’d moved in with him.
‘This is the beginning of our happily ever after,’ he’d smiled, scooping me into his arms.
But then things started going very wrong…
I love my make-up, but Jordan didn’t like me to wear much.
And, when I landed myself a job in a coffee shop, he’d come and stare at me during my shifts, accusing me of flirting with male customers.
‘You like the attention, don’t you?’ he’d snarl.
‘You’ve no reason to feel jealous,’ I told him over and over again. But, when I got a new, male boss, Jordan forced me to quit.
I got a new job as a sports coach in schools, but the pay was less, and the financial troubles put even more strain on our relationship.
We started having awful rows.
Jordan was terrifying when he was angry.
So, after 18 months, I packed up all my stuff and was now living with my grandparents in Wolverhampton.
I’d missed Jordan, but had ignored his texts and calls. Now, he’d turned up and made such an effort that I heard him out.
‘I’m getting professional help,’ he said. ‘Please come home. Give me another chance.’
And I’d believed him. So, the next day, I’d moved back in. Things began to improve. Jordan’s temper was a thing of the past. And, if he did get jealous, we talked it through.
Six months on, he proposed, with a gorgeous, diamond ring. ‘Yes!’ I cried. Jordan played cricket and, one day, he invited me to his club for post-match drinks.
Spirits were high as his
When I got a male boss, Jordan made me quit
teammates handed him shots of tequila and sambuca...
By midnight, Jordan was pretty drunk and suggested we should go home. ‘I’ll call a taxi,’ I said. ‘Don’t be stupid, I’ll drive,’ he slurred, waving his car keys. ‘No, you won’t!’ I scoffed. Jordan shot me an angry look. ‘Fine, I’ll walk,’ I said. But, before I’d got far, Jordan texted me, threatening me if I didn’t come back. So, sighing, I walked back, where I found him already sitting in the driver’s seat of his car.
Getting in, I begged Jordan not to drive. But he revved the engine, and began swerving all over the street. ‘Jordan, stop!’ He slammed on the brakes, and began raining down punches on my head, face and neck.
Blood pouring from my head, I was barely able to breathe.
He’s going to kill me, I thought.
I wound down my window, screamed with all my might. A couple ran out of their house...
‘You poor thing!’ the woman cried, opening the door and pulling me away from Jordan.
As her husband called the police, Jordan climbed out of the driver’s seat and staggered down the road.
An ambulance took me to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, where I learned Jordan had been arrested, twice over the alcohol limit for driving.
I was treated for a gash to my head, bruising to my chest, neck and face, and a cut, swollen lip.
Looking at my reflection, I was horrified. What had he done to me?
Next day, I packed up and drove back to Wolverhampton.
I left my engagement ring behind so Jordan would know it was over. For good.
On 26 July, Jordan Greaves, 23, appeared at Kirklees magistrates court, where he pleaded guilty to assault and drink-driving. He was given a community order with 180 hours of unpaid work, and a restraining order banning him from contacting me for a year. He’d pay £250 compensation, and was banned from driving for 20 months.
He should’ve been locked up for what he did to me.
I still have nightmares and panic attacks. And, if I see a car like his, I’m terrified.
But I’m determined to come out of this stronger.
Hopefully, my story can help others recognise the signs of domestic abuse. I’ll never let anyone else treat me like he did.
I deserve better. Every woman does.
I’m determined to come out of this stronger