A woman, known as Natalie to protect her identity, has come forward to share her harrowing story of being in an abusive relationship with Martyn Evans in a bid to raise awareness about domestic abuse. The relationship began in May 2017 when Evans, who is nine years older than Natalie and a player for Bedwas rugby club in Caerphilly county, messaged her on a dating website. Despite early signs of his controlling behaviour, their relationship progressed rapidly, and they moved in together within a month.
Natalie recalls feeling love-bombed by Evans, who showered her with gifts, dinners, and affection, painting the picture of a perfect partner. However, red flags started to appear when Evans was jailed for a DUI offense just two months into their relationship. Despite reassurances from Evans, further revelations through the domestic violence disclosure scheme, also known as Clare’s Law, uncovered his history of violence towards previous partners.
As the relationship continued, Evans’ controlling and jealous nature escalated, with restrictions on Natalie’s appearance and interactions with others. The abuse turned physical, leading to multiple calls to the police, but Natalie was too fearful to pursue prosecutions. Despite efforts to seek protection through a domestic violence protection order, Natalie felt let down by the system as Evans continued to torment her even after their relationship ended in December 2022.
The aftermath of the relationship saw Natalie facing ongoing harassment and threats from Evans, leading to a non-molestation order being granted in September 2023. However, police failings in handling the case led to further distress for Natalie, culminating in a suicide attempt in January 2024. Despite the legal proceedings that followed, including a community order and restraining order for Evans, Natalie still feels that justice has not been served.
Natalie’s mental health deteriorated significantly during the ordeal, impacting her ability to work and leaving her reliant on benefits for support. She emphasises the need for more support for domestic abuse survivors and highlights the challenges of rebuilding her life after such trauma. Despite the hardships faced, Natalie remains determined to overcome the trauma and rebuild her career in the face of adversity.
Evans’ lack of remorse and dismissive attitude towards his actions further highlight the importance of raising awareness about domestic abuse and supporting survivors like Natalie. The authorities involved have faced criticism for their handling of the case, with calls for better protection and support for victims of domestic abuse. Natalie’s courage in speaking out serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience needed to break free from abusive relationships and rebuild a life shattered by violence.
Natalie’s story sheds light on the lasting impact of domestic abuse and the challenges survivors face in seeking justice and rebuilding their lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for better support services, legal protection, and awareness to prevent such tragedies from recurring. Natalie’s resilience and determination to reclaim her life despite the trauma she endured are a testament to the strength of survivors and the importance of standing up against domestic abuse.