A domestic violence victim who said she slept with a hammer beside her bed for protection has described a scheme that installed new cameras, locks and security lights at her home as a lifeline. Ashleigh Murray, 34, said she was terrified her abusive ex-partner would attack her and her unborn child at home. But she said the Housing Executive's Sanctuary Scheme helped her rebuild her life. The scheme allows people to stay in their homes with additional security measures, including cameras, lights, door and window locks and safety rooms. Warning: This story contains details some may find distressing The mother-of-one's ex-partner Donald Newell was sentenced in November 2023 to two years' probation after he was convicted of common assault, criminal damage and persistent improper use of electronic communications to cause anxiety against her. Newell, 35 from Saltcoats outside Glasgow, was also convicted of being in breach of a non-molestation order against Ms Murray and sentenced to three months in jail, suspended for two years. "Donald was very scary," said Ms Murray. "He preyed on the good in you, seeing the good in him. "Whenever he'd come out of that rage, he would always have a rhyme and reason as to why he was doing it. "I was always the problem. It was always my fault." She described a litany of abuse directed at her by her former partner including being strangled, verbally abused in public and threatened. "I didn't deserve for him to threaten my life. I didn't deserve any of that," she said. Newell would "always promise he would get help", she added, but the abuse got worse. She recalled a night when getting into the car with her former partner, who was drunk. "He was pushing my face into the car window. Telling me he was going to cave my head in. He was going to punch me. "He then broke the ligaments and tendons in my fingers." On another occasion, Newell drove a car into one being driven by Ms Murray, who was five months pregnant. "He followed me down the dual carriageway and rammed me. "I was pregnant and had reduced movement and had to go to hospital." But she said the help received through the Housing Executive's Sanctuary Scheme gave her "real peace of mind". Living in a one-bedroom flat and pregnant, Ms Murray said her house was red-flagged due to the risk Newell posed to her and her unborn daughter. "He was given a non-molestation order to stay away within a mile of my property. But that didn't stop him," she said. As part of the scheme, the Housing Executive installed door and window alarms, flood lights, cameras and heavy-duty door locks. "If anyone tries the door, the alarms go off; if anyone taps my window, the alarms go off," she said. "I rely on the alarms. I can watch my home from my cameras when I'm out also. "It just gives me that peace of mind." She added: "The thought of him knowing where I was whenever he leaves jail or after the non-molestation order ran out was actually a very scary thing. I was always on edge. "So the fact that I can surround myself with good neighbours that are able to keep an eye out for me is a big relief. "My daughter can grow up in peace and safety away from him." Kerry Logan, from Housing Rights, welcomed the scheme but said she would like to see it extended beyond Housing Executive homes. She also said an underlying issue was the urgent need for the government to build more social homes. "With more than 49,000 households on the social housing waiting list in Northern Ireland and a temporary accommodation crisis, it can be very challenging for people fleeing domestic violence abuse to find a safe place to live in the time frame that they need it," she added. Ms Logan also called for people experiencing domestic abuse to be prioritised on the social housing waiting list, by giving them access to a "much higher level of points than they're currently able to". Previously, victims of domestic violence were awarded less points for social housing than victims of terrorism or paramilitary intimidation. However, that changed in May when intimidation points were removed from social housing applications. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said it was to "level the playing field for victims of violence". Figures from October 2023 to March 2024 show that 607 people presented as homeless due to the treat of domestic violence compared to 101 for intimidation. Grainia Long, chief executive of the Housing Executive, said balancing the system is "a long-term project". She said the removal of intimidation points was recommended to the department by the Housing Executive and that it is now putting in place a system that "ensures that the points that are allocated better reflect the nature of the violence and the scale of the violence". She added: "I think the public understand the profound effect that domestic violence has on women. "It's really important we talk about these things and build public awareness." If you are affected by any of the issues raised, help and support is available viaBBC Action Line.
'I slept with a hammer at my bed for protection - now I have peace of mind'
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Domestic Violence Victim Finds Safety Through Housing Executive's Sanctuary Scheme"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Ashleigh Murray, a 34-year-old domestic violence victim, has shared her harrowing experience of living in fear of her abusive ex-partner, Donald Newell. For safety, she resorted to sleeping with a hammer beside her bed. Newell was convicted in November 2023 for multiple offenses against her, including common assault and breaching a non-molestation order. Despite the legal measures in place, Murray lived in constant fear, recalling incidents of severe abuse that included being strangled and physically assaulted while pregnant. The trauma of knowing her abuser could potentially return after his release from jail added to her distress. In light of these experiences, Murray has found solace and security through the Housing Executive's Sanctuary Scheme, which has provided her with essential security measures for her home, including cameras, alarms, and heavy-duty locks. This initiative has not only enhanced her safety but has also allowed her to focus on the wellbeing of her unborn daughter, offering her a sense of peace she previously lacked.
The Sanctuary Scheme is designed to support individuals like Murray, who are at risk of domestic violence, by enabling them to remain in their homes with improved security features. Murray expressed gratitude for the program, stating that the installed security systems give her the ability to monitor her home and alert her to any potential threats. Kerry Logan from Housing Rights has echoed the importance of such programs but stressed the need for broader support, including more social housing options for those fleeing domestic violence. She highlighted the pressing issue of over 49,000 households on the social housing waiting list in Northern Ireland, advocating for prioritizing victims of domestic abuse in housing allocations. Recent changes in the social housing application process have removed intimidation points, aiming to balance support for victims of different types of violence. Grainia Long, CEO of the Housing Executive, emphasized the necessity of raising public awareness about domestic violence and improving support systems for affected individuals, as the impact on victims is profound and requires ongoing attention.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article portrays the harrowing experience of Ashleigh Murray, a victim of domestic violence, who describes her past fears and the transformative impact of a security scheme on her life. It highlights the psychological and physical abuse she endured from her ex-partner, Donald Newell, and emphasizes the importance of support systems for victims of domestic violence.
Purpose of the Article
The narrative serves to raise awareness about domestic violence and the challenges faced by its victims. By sharing Ashleigh's story, the article aims to inform the public about the existence of support programs like the Housing Executive's Sanctuary Scheme, which provides crucial safety measures for individuals in dangerous situations. This serves a dual purpose: to validate the experiences of victims and to encourage those in similar predicaments to seek help.
Public Perception and Impact
The story is likely designed to evoke empathy from readers, making them more aware of the realities of domestic abuse. By detailing Ashleigh's traumatic experiences, it seeks to foster a public discourse on the need for better protective measures for victims. This could potentially influence community attitudes toward domestic violence, prompting increased support for local initiatives and advocacy groups.
Hidden Agendas
While the article focuses on personal trauma and recovery, it might also inadvertently downplay the broader systemic issues surrounding domestic violence, such as the need for comprehensive legal reforms and better funding for support services. By concentrating on an individual story, there is a risk of shifting focus away from the collective societal responsibility to address and eradicate domestic violence.
Truthfulness and Manipulation
The article appears to be grounded in truth, as it recounts specific incidents of abuse and the subsequent legal repercussions faced by Newell. However, the emotional weight of Ashleigh’s narrative could be seen as manipulative if it oversimplifies complex issues related to domestic violence or suggests that individual stories are representative of all victims' experiences.
Social and Economic Scenarios
Following this article, there may be increased social awareness and pressure on policymakers to allocate resources toward domestic violence prevention programs. Economically, support for local businesses that provide services to victims could rise as communities become more engaged in addressing these issues.
Target Audience
This article seems to resonate particularly with communities focused on women's rights, social justice, and mental health advocacy. It aims to reach individuals who may have experienced similar situations or who are interested in supporting victims of domestic violence.
Effects on Financial Markets
While the immediate financial implications may be minimal, heightened awareness of domestic violence could lead to increased funding for related organizations, which might indirectly influence sectors like social services and nonprofit organizations dedicated to violence prevention.
Global Context
In the context of global discussions about gender-based violence, this article aligns with ongoing conversations about women's safety and rights. It underscores the relevance of such issues in today's socio-political climate, reinforcing the need for urgent actions to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no indication that AI was used in the creation of this article. However, if AI were to be involved, it could have influenced the framing of the narrative to elicit stronger emotional responses by emphasizing particular aspects of the story, such as the traumatic experiences Ashleigh faced.
In summary, while the article is a poignant recounting of a woman's struggle against domestic violence, it may simplify broader systemic issues and evoke strong emotional responses that could lead to discussions about societal change. The reliability of the narrative is supported by specific details, but caution is warranted regarding the potential for oversimplification of complex issues.