Jordina Dowdells, 25, who was abused by her violent ex-partner Adam Gates, 27, has said she 'probably would have ended up dead' if she 'didn't get out when I did'. Gates is now behind bars after subjecting her to his outbursts throughout their two-and-a-half year relationship, leaving her with a broken bone and fearing for her life.
Jordina, of Pontardawe, Wales, spoke about what happened to encourage others to report domestic abuse and seek help. She told WalesOnline: 'Phone the police. I've always said that if I didn't get out when I did, I probably would have ended up dead.'
Relationship began in 2023
The pair had known each other for years before their relationship began in 2023, she said. 'At the start he was fine, I genuinely thought I could spend the rest of my life with him. He was really nice and caring. He was completely different at the start.'
A few months into the relationship she discovered she was pregnant, with the baby being born in April 2024. Throughout her pregnancy, Jordina said she noticed Gates become increasingly angry towards her.
Violence escalated
The issue intensified when they began living together around the time their baby was born. She said: 'He didn't help me with the baby or anything, I was doing everything - all the night feeds and changing nappies. He wouldn't help me around the house. I felt like a slave to be honest.'
In December 2024, his behaviour came to a head when he violently attacked her, resulting in an elbow fracture. She said he 'got up, threw me to the floor and broke my elbow'. Jordina added: 'I had to go to the hospital the next day. I was literally screaming in pain and I couldn't move my arm even a centimetre.'
On another occasion he pushed her off a bed, leaving her with bruises up her arm. She said: 'I can't even remember why. He had probably come home drunk because that's normally when it would escalate.'
Final incident led to arrest
A further incident in October 2025 resulted in Jordina calling the police and the relationship ending for good. She said Gates took her phone and threw it at a wall, breaking the screen. She left the house with the baby and reported his behaviour to the police, leading to his arrest days later.
Gates, of Ystalyfera, later pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm and criminal damage. He was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court on July 14 to 90 weeks in prison to be served immediately.
Moving on
Jordina said she is pleased to see Gates behind bars, but his abuse continues to haunt her. She said: 'I've had so many dreams of him strangling me, shouting at me. It's literally something I think of from the minute I wake up to the second I go to sleep at night.'
However, she said she is finally able to move on. 'I feel like I am finally at peace. Throughout that whole relationship I was constantly walking on eggshells every single day. I no longer have someone going at me all the time, and I'm able to do my own thing, I've got my own money and I can do what I want when I want. I just feel free and it's really nice.'
If you have been affected by issues of domestic violence or coercive control you can call Refuge's 24-Hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline for free. The number is 0808 2000 247.
