A woman’s chance encounter with a man, whom she initially thought was “really nice,” turned into a nightmare of abuse and rape, leaving her feeling “stuck in hell.” The survivor courageously decided to waive her right to anonymity to speak out about the sadistic treatment she endured at the hands of Daniel Wide. While she chose not to disclose her name for protection, she felt compelled to share her story to warn other women of the dangers they could face. Trigger Warning: this article includes graphic details of sexual violence and rape that may be distressing for some readers.
The woman from Cardiff recounted how she first met Wide around seven years ago, after a chance meeting through mutual friends. She vividly remembered the exact date of their encounter, August 5, 2018, when a simple act of kindness from Wide initially drew her towards him. However, she soon realised that his behaviour took a sinister turn, with signs of manipulation and control becoming increasingly evident.
As the woman was already in a vulnerable state mentally, Wide’s ability to exploit her weaknesses became apparent. He would refer to having “invisible handcuffs” on her, treating her like a slave, and taking advantage of her fragile emotional state. Despite recognising the warning signs early on, she felt trapped in the abusive relationship, unable to muster the strength to break free.
The woman described how Wide’s behaviour escalated over time, including instances of drug use and coercive control. His manipulative tactics, coupled with threats of violence and rape, left her feeling isolated and powerless. She shared a harrowing experience of waking up to find Wide assaulting her in her own home, a traumatic event that reinforced her sense of entrapment in the relationship.
After enduring years of abuse at the hands of Wide, the woman eventually found the courage to leave and seek help. With the support of a friend, she reported the abuse to the South Wales Police, a decision that she credits with saving her life. Following an investigation, Wide was arrested and later convicted of rape and sexual assault, receiving a 15-year sentence and a lifelong requirement to register as a sex offender.
Reflecting on her ordeal, the survivor acknowledged the long-lasting impact of Wide’s abuse on her mental health, leading to complex PTSD and dissociative episodes. However, she expressed a sense of relief and empowerment in speaking out about her experience, emphasising the importance of seeking help and breaking free from abusive relationships. She encouraged others to report abuse and seek support, underscoring the vital role of law enforcement in providing assistance and protection.
As she works towards rebuilding her life and prioritising her well-being, the survivor remains determined to raise awareness about domestic abuse and sexual violence. By sharing her story, she hopes to inspire others to seek help and break the cycle of abuse. Her journey towards healing serves as a testament to resilience and courage in the face of trauma.
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic abuse or sexual violence, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline or Samaritans for confidential support and assistance. Remember, help is available, and no one should have to suffer in silence.