Bridges Partnership, our domestic abuse service, is working with Tameside Council on a campaign which aims to raise awareness of domestic abuse.
Called ‘Sitting Right With You’ the campaign focusses on stalking and harassment. In 2025 (Jan-Dec) there were 3,443 stalking and harassment incidents reported in Tameside. Of these, 191 were repeat incidents and 67% of victims were female and 33% were male.
One mum of three who was supported by Bridges tells her story to help raise awareness – and this includes content that some people might find upsetting.
The woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, met her partner through online dating and had conversations for several weeks before meeting in person.
Alarm bells started ringing when he turned up at her house in the middle of the night and eventually moved in. He questioned what she was wearing, who she was friends with and his coercive, jealous and controlling behaviours got worse. She became very scared of him and in real danger.
“I lived in real terror. He was ringing me all day, every day, he put poison in my garden to make my dogs sick, he threated to hurt my children. He tried to break into my house, he tried blackmailing me. He was an absolute monster. I was so frightened I couldn’t leave the house, I had to quit my job, I feared I was going to die.
“He then tried apologising and saying he loved me and wanted me to come and meet him and that he would take his own life if I didn’t go. I let the police know and they found him – waiting for me in his car armed with knives – and he was arrested. I don’t think he was planning to kill himself that day, he was planning to kill me.”
At this point she was put in touch with The Bridges Partnership. Led by Jigsaw Support in partnership with TLC: Talk, Listen, Change and Diversity Matters North West, it provides support for victims, survivors, and those looking to change their harmful behaviours.
She said: “It was so good to have some support. The Bridges Partnership caseworker was really helpful with practical tips and safety planning such as changing your email, your wifi router – even down to changing your Netflix account details as these are all channels they can still stalk you on.”
She shared key advice for other people like herself who starting a new relationship or experiencing controlling and abusive behaviours.
She said: “Don’t ignore red flags. Trust your gut instinct from the start, don’t brush aside things that don’t feel right. You pacify them to keep yourself safe but in doing that you let the abuser in deeper. No matter how afraid you are you still have some power and control to help keep yourself safe, take some control back and get help. There are people who can support you.”
Domestic abuse including physical, sexual, financial, psychological, or emotional violence can happen to anyone – regardless of sexuality, gender, race, background, or upbringing.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can get in touch with our team for support and advice by contacting bridges@jigsawhomes.org.uk
You can read her full story here>>
