A STALKING victim is joining Gwent’s Police and Crime Commissioner today to launch a campaign and film tackling abusive relationships.

The event is funded and supported by Gwent PCC Ian Johnston and is being launched at Gwent Victims Hub, Blackwood, premiering the 20 minute educational film #TroubleWithAnEx.

The campaign is centred around the story of 44-year-old Rachel Williams who was shot by her husband Darren at her Newport hairdressing salon, six weeks after they split up.

Ms Williams will share her experiences at the launch of the first screening of the film, which will be attended by representatives from organisations that provide support to victims of crime.

Ms Williams, who has since remarried, said: “I just thought of stalking as something carried out by a weirdo peering out from the bushes with binoculars — not your jealous ex you’re trying to get rid of.

“My advice is to make sure you leave an abusive relationship safely. You become really high-risk when you leave a perpetrator and you have to seek help because that’s when it escalates.”

The film was produced by Jane Harvey from the Network for Surviving Stalking charity, highlighting the warning signs often missed by women who have left an abusive relationship.

Ms Harvey states that woman “put up with stalking” from ex-partners for different reasons.

She said: “They might not report partners because they don’t want to upset them further; especially if they have children together, or perhaps they’re hoping he’ll give up and move on with his life.

“But anyone whose ex is hassling, pestering or following them — online or in the real world — needs to take it seriously and get help.”

The campaign will provide downloadable and printable leaflets and the film will be used to train Gwent police staff — including call handlers.

It was funded through Gwent PCC Ian Johnston’s Partnership Fund which awards cash seized from criminals to projects which have a “positive impact” on their community.

Mr Johnston said: “Statistically, women are far more likely than men to be killed by partners or ex-partners and recognising stalking is key to protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities from some of the most dangerous.

“Everyone - not just domestic violence specialists needs to be able to recognise stalking.”

For more information visit www.scaredofsomeone.org