A disturbing incident occurred when a man headbutted his partner in the middle of a busy pub, resulting in injuries that left her bruised for weeks. Lauren Queeley, 33, had gone out with her then-boyfriend Jonathan Landry, hoping for a pleasant evening socialising. However, the evening took a violent turn when Landry headbutted her so forcefully that it caused a black eye and visible injuries. After reporting the assault to the police, described as a “football headbutt”, Lauren discovered she was not the first woman Landry had been abusive towards.
In a brave move, Lauren decided to share her story, along with CCTV footage of the incident, to raise awareness about using Clare’s Law for protection. Clare’s Law, officially known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, allows individuals to request information from the police if they suspect their partner may have a history of abuse. This initiative was named after Clare Wood, a victim of domestic violence who was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend.
Reflecting on her relationship with Landry, Lauren revealed how he gradually became verbally and physically abusive, especially when alcohol was involved in arguments. Despite feeling unhappy and noticing warning signs, leaving the toxic relationship seemed daunting, as Landry would apologise and downplay his actions to manipulate her into staying.
The breaking point came when Landry violently assaulted Lauren in a pub, causing severe injuries that required medical attention. Following the incident, he was sentenced to 16 weeks in prison for actual bodily harm and issued a restraining order. Despite initially struggling with pressing charges, Lauren overcame her emotional turmoil and advocated for using Clare’s Law to know their partner’s background.
Lauren emphasised the importance of knowledge and power in relationships, urging others to exercise their right to protect themselves from potential abusers. She highlighted the need for individuals to take control of their safety by understanding the signs of abuse and using available resources like Clare’s Law. Lauren’s courage in speaking out serves as a reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help and support.