In 2011, Rachel Williams was busy at the UK hair salon she worked in when her ex-husband Darren walked in and shot her at point blank range.
She had left him six weeks earlier after 18 years of marriage and abuse. Darren shot her and then later himself.
While Darren died almost immediately, Rachel incredibly survived and has spent the years following campaigning and raising awareness around domestic violence.
On Tuesday, the 44-year-old who says she's "a victor, not a victim" shared a letter that her former employer wrote for her case to her Facebook page. It highlights what her life with Darren was like.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I employed Mrs Rachel Court then known as Haywood as a Junior Hairstylist at my salon Bonkerz Hair Centre from June 1999 until Easter 2002.
Although I was always very pleased with Rachel's standard of work her employment didn't come without problems. Her partner Darren Williams controlled her working life. For example we all led him to believe that our male trainee was gay. This was because Rachel was not allowed to work with heterosexual males, she was also not allowed to cut the hair of men or lesbians. Darren's demeanour was intimidating and we were all afraid of him "kicking off", he would make surprise visits to the salon and check our appointment book to try to catch her out. I remember one particular day when Rachel was the only stylist available to cut a gents hair and I had to order all my trainees to circle around her and the client to block any view from the street whilst she cut his hair. The fear of her getting caught was tangible and the whole salon was on pins.
Top Comments
What a wonderful and understanding Boss to support this poor woman. It is disgusting that the entire staff suffered the abuse of not being able to work in a safe and comfortable environment. The sisterhood is so important in beating the disgrace that is domestic violence.
As a man I believe lowlife scum like this are below content as are any of their parents who enable or excuse their behaviour