Gemma Laidler, a domestic abuse survivor, will open a vigil honoring victims on International Womens Day.
Women’s Street Watch invited her after reading her story in the Chronicle. Gemma will speak at Sunday’s event at Grey’s Monument. She says her life changed after she spoke out about the abuse she suffered from her ex, Ryan Grundy, who is now serving jail time.
Gemma is 39 years old. She felt overwhelmed when asked to speak, as she has never done this before. Gemma wants more awareness and knows she must start somewhere. She lives in Newcastle’s West End and met Grundy in 2021 through a mutual friend.
Grundy told her he had past issues, including struggles with drugs and mental health. He became addicted to cocaine after his daughter’s stillbirth. Gemma, working as a carer, wanted to help him and let him move in to support him.
After moving in, Grundy changed. Gemma says he controlled her, threatening to buy drugs if she left. She stopped working to care for him. About a year into the romance, violence began.
On August 10, 2022, Grundy slapped her face during an argument, which Gemma didn’t report right away. He attacked her again on October 4, 2022, throwing her down to the floor. On July 25, 2023, he hit and headbutted Gemma.
She tried to escape him, but he followed her in the house to stop her from calling for help. Gemma messaged a neighbor who then called the police, leading to Grundy’s arrest.
Between November and December 2023, Grundy harassed her, sending emails despite her refusals over the Christmas period. Grundy admitted to his offences, which included strangulation, assault, harassment, and common assaults.
He got 14 months in prison in November, but was released because he had already served the time while on remand. Weeks later, he went back to prison for breaching his licence rules.
After her story was published, other women going through abuse contacted her. Gemma helped signpost them, directing them to services that could help.
The positive response boosted her confidence. She felt better after the article and said the support helped her take back power. She feels like a survivor now. It has been a whirlwind for her; her life has totally changed, and she does not feel alone, having already helped many people.
Women’s Street Watch vigil starts at 6 PM and will finish at 8 PM on Sunday at Grey’s Monument.