Businesswoman Catalina Payne has come forward to share the harrowing experience of the appalling harassment she endured at the hands of her ex-partner. Catalina revealed the extent of the terrifying ordeal she faced as she tried to end the relationship with her former partner Jos Shields. The threats and messages she received were deeply disturbing, with explicit threats of violence and intimidation. This relentless campaign of harassment left Catalina feeling trapped and fearful for her safety, as Shields would turn up at her workplace, flood her with calls, and even entered her home without permission, causing damage.
The situation escalated to the point where Catalina felt it was easier to pretend everything was fine rather than confront the escalating abuse. She described how the harassment intensified every time she tried to distance herself from Shields, making it incredibly challenging to break free from his control. Shields’ behaviour became increasingly erratic and violent, leading Catalina to seek help from the police after a particularly alarming incident involving her business.
Following his arrest, Shields was sentenced to 21 months in prison and issued a 10-year restraining order. Despite his incarceration, Catalina still fears for her safety once he is released and highlights the lack of support available for victims of controlling relationships. She bravely acknowledged struggling with co-dependency issues throughout her relationship and subsequent separations, sending a stark warning to other women facing similar situations.
Catalina and Shields initially met through mutual friends, and although the relationship started positively, she soon recognised red flags in his behaviour. Catalina described how Shields’ controlling tendencies and sudden mood swings created a toxic environment, leading her to make the difficult decision to leave. However, this decision triggered a wave of escalating threats, surveillance, and intimidation from Shields, pushing Catalina to seek legal intervention to ensure her safety.
The relentless harassment not only took a toll on Catalina’s mental health but also impacted those around her, eventually prompting her to report the abuse. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the legal process, including delays in court dates and lack of emotional support, Catalina persevered in seeking justice and protecting herself and her children. She emphasized the urgent need for enhanced support services for victims of prolonged abuse, advocating for specialised assistance to break the cycle of trauma and co-dependency.
Catalina’s courageous testimony sheds light on the profound impact of domestic abuse and the critical need for comprehensive support systems to empower survivors and prevent further harm. Her journey towards healing and resilience serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of those who refuse to be silenced by fear and intimidation.