South Tyneside stalker victim speaks out

Terri* had been happily married for more than a decade, or so she thought.

However, after uncovering her husband had been having an affair and taking drugs she kicked him out of their home.

It was then, trouble flared for the 37-year-old. For more than six years her husband made her life a living hell.

Despite living with a new partner, he would follow her, smash up her car and one night even broke into her home and raped her.

The mum went back and forwards from court and eventually managed to get a life-time restraining order against her former husband.

The woman was eventually helped by South Tyneside charity Impact Family Service’s Options project

She said: He made my life and the life of my children a living hell. He rang me one day with the kids in the car and told me to say goodbye to them as he was going to drive off the cliffs.

“Everywhere I went he was there. I’ve had to have a panic alarm fitted in the house and have to carry one around with me.

“It was that bad he threatened to kill me. I lost my home, I lost my confidence, I lost who I was.

“This has gone on for five years now. It isn’t as bad as it used to be and I’ve started to get my confidence back.

“Options were absolutely brilliant and were with me every step of the way.

“I hit rock bottom because of the situation. It wasn’t until last year when I started to finally be able to pick myself up and I am a lot stronger now.

“I’d advise anyone suffering any form of domestic abuse to contact Options.”

*The woman’s name has been changed