Domestic Abuse Survivor Faces Safeguarding Cutoff If She Relocates Before Attacker's Freedom
A survivor of horrific sexual and physical abuse has been informed she will lose all safeguarding protections in her home if she moves, despite her dangerous former partner's scheduled release from prison this October.
Years of Terror and Degradation
Gemma Willis, 41, endured terrifying assaults from partner Richard Ridley between 2014 and 2017. The abuse included having her neck sliced with a garden trowel, being beaten unconscious, and having her entire body and hair smothered in salad cream during drug-fuelled attacks.
One particularly disturbing incident saw Ridley become convinced Gemma was hiding a lover in their mattress. He proceeded to stab it repeatedly with crossbow bolts before ripping it apart and throwing it out of the window, forcing Gemma to sleep on the floor.
The jealous abuser subjected her to perverse examinations to check she hadn't been with another man and repeatedly threatened to kill both her and her family members if she attempted to leave him.
Legal Proceedings and Temporary Relief
Eventually gathering the courage to report him, Gemma saw Ridley appear before Teesside Crown Court where he admitted to:
- Two counts of sexual assault
- Two common assaults
- Two charges of criminal damage
- One count of affray
After his initial release last year, Gemma received unsolicited social media contact from his associates within days, leading to Ridley being recalled to jail for breaching his licence conditions. He is now due for release again in October.
The Safeguarding Dilemma
Gemma has been told that if she moves from her current home, which she shares with her 15-year-old son, she will receive no safeguarding assistance whatsoever. The initial safeguarding budget provided:
- A fireproof letterbox
- Enhanced security locks
- Heavy-duty doors
- Six-foot fencing
- Security spotlights
However, housing policy dictates that individuals cannot access this funding twice, meaning Gemma would only qualify for what authorities term an 'open house' without protective measures if she relocates.
Living in Constant Fear
'My son and I feel completely trapped in our home,' Gemma revealed. 'I'm too frightened to even walk to the shops because when I do, I suffer abuse from Richard Ridley's friends. He and his associates know exactly where I live.'
'I desperately wanted to leave and move somewhere else, potentially out of the area entirely. But during a safeguarding meeting at my home last year, I was explicitly told that if I moved again, I would not have any safeguarding measures installed.'
Gemma explained that when she questioned this decision, officials stated she had already used her allocated share of the safeguarding budget. 'I now feel we have no option but to stay where we are, constantly looking over our shoulders for the rest of our lives. The intimidation has never stopped, even with Richard Ridley in jail.'
Continued Harassment and Social Media Intimidation
In 2018, Ridley's then-girlfriend Toni Walker was convicted of identifying Gemma in a Facebook post protesting Ridley's innocence, despite his admissions. Walker received a £120 fine plus costs.
Ridley himself has posted social media messages from HMP Holme House in Stockton-on-Tees, bragging about his easy prison life. One particularly chilling message read: 'They can lock the locks but they can't stop the clocks.'
'That phrase holds particular terror for me,' Gemma explained. 'It's exactly what he used to say to prevent me reporting his abuse. He would tell me that although he might get jail time, he would eventually get out and come for me. That exact phrase was shouted at me last year by one of his friends when I was at the shops, and it absolutely terrified me.'
Systemic Failures and Institutional Response
Gemma attempted to submit a detailed statement for Ridley's upcoming parole hearing but was told it was too long and asked to edit it down. 'I wanted the parole board to have every single detail in front of them. It feels as though the victim is always the last person to be heard, if we're heard at all.'
'I feel like I'm the one serving the prison sentence while he brags on social media about his easy life in jail. The roles have reversed, yet I'm still the one suffering and living in constant fear.'
Organizational Responses and Policy Implications
Following media inquiries about Gemma's situation, housing group Thirteen pledged to re-examine her case. Kay Glew, housing and communities director at Thirteen, stated: 'Keeping our customers safe is always our priority. We're committed to supporting survivors of domestic abuse and take any concerns about home safety extremely seriously.'
'We put additional security measures in place reflecting Ms Willis's preference to remain in her property. We're here to help with housing options and applications to move home, and we're in touch with Ms Willis to ensure she has our support if moving becomes her best choice.'
Glew added that if Gemma decides to move, Thirteen would reassess what safety measures are needed at any new address, with protection reviews available regardless of her location.
A Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government spokesperson responded: 'Gemma's story is absolutely heartbreaking. We're determined to help victims of domestic abuse like her and are providing £30 million extra this year, including support to help victims remain safely in their homes.'
'We have appointed Richard Wright KC to lead the Stalking Legislation Review to ensure stalking laws are fit for purpose. While local authorities make decisions on support measures, we urge councils to ensure victims receive the strongest possible protection in their own homes.'
