Carolyn Shepherd found herself confined within her own residence, closely monitored by the individual who was meant to be her source of love and support.
Meeting Wayne Wellings online in 2013 seemed like a dream come true for Carolyn, who was eager to settle down at 27. Wayne’s desire for constant togetherness initially appeared endearing, despite Carolyn later discovering his strained relationships with friends and family. Soon after moving in together with financial assistance from her mother, Carolyn realized the grave error she had made. Celebrations turned dark on their first night together, unveiling Wayne’s controlling and obsessive tendencies.
Describing the ordeal to the Mirror, Carolyn recounted the horrifying incident when Wayne, in a drunken state, verbally and physically abused her, shattering her perception of him. Despite knowing she should leave, Carolyn struggled due to feelings of shame and the hope that the abuse would cease. This marked the beginning of years filled with coercion, violence, and emotional torment at the hands of Wayne.
Wayne’s abusive behavior escalated over time, with instances of physical and emotional degradation becoming a daily occurrence. Carolyn endured verbal assaults, physical attacks, and constant surveillance, feeling isolated and trapped in her own home. Despite attempts by her concerned mother to intervene, Carolyn felt powerless to break free from Wayne’s grip.
In a pivotal moment on December 27, 2020, Carolyn summoned the courage to leave after a violent outburst from Wayne. Following a physical altercation, her mother’s timely intervention saved her from further harm, leading to her liberation from the abusive relationship.
A year later, after speaking out and seeking legal recourse, Wayne was convicted of assault and coercive behavior, resulting in a five-year prison sentence. Carolyn expressed relief at his incarceration, emphasizing her newfound sense of empowerment and the importance of breaking the silence surrounding abuse.
Carolyn’s story sheds light on the insidious nature of coercive control in domestic abuse, a form of behavior that Women’s Aid identifies as a criminal offense. Survivors are encouraged to seek support through the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline or Women’s Aid for assistance and guidance on escaping abusive situations.