CARL HILLS – MIDDLESBROUGH A survivor of domestic abuse has bravely opened up a…

❌CARL HILLS – MIDDLESBROUGH❌

A survivor of domestic abuse has bravely opened up about the “forever lasting impact” of the physical and emotional abuse she experienced.

The woman was verbally threatened, physically attacked and controlled by 32-year-old Carl Hills during a terrifying campaign of abuse.

Hills from Middlesbrough was jailed for 38 months at Teesside Crown Court last month after he admitted controlling and coercive behaviour.

He was arrested in December 2024 after police received a report that the victim was seen covered in bruises following a vicious attack by Hills in which she was knocked unconscious.

An investigation was launched by our Domestic Abuse Unit (DAU) with the victim going on to explain how Hills controlled her. He would keep her mobile phone and banned her from taking it with her when she left the house.

Hills would also constantly question where she is and asked her to take pictures of her surroundings to prove where she is, making threats to make sure she was fearful of him.

Talking about the impact it had on her, the victim said: “The physical affects that Carl’s behaviour had on me will fade, the bruises will go but it’s the lasting affects this has had on my mental health and my outlook on life that has changed forever.

“I lost my confidence and self-belief, and although every day I gain a little bit of my confidence back I will never fully have it back. I was just in survival mode for so long.

“I still live in fear, and I feel the impacts on my life will be forever lasting. I still get flashbacks and nightmares over incidents, and I worry that I will never be good enough going forward as I spent so long being made to feel worthless.”

The victim was supported throughout the process by an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) at My Sister’s Place who works closely with police to provide support and guidance.

She said: “I talked to them about what happened but I never felt rushed by them. If I didn’t want to tell them something, they wouldn’t push it. They were always there to help with whatever I needed.

“I’m in a much better place than I was. I’ll never be the same but I’m just taking everyday as it comes. I hope more people will come forward to report what’s happening to them.”

PC Jay Leadbitter, who investigated this case said: “The victim was living in constant fear of Carl Hills who tried to control every aspect of her life. The bravery shown from the victim in this case is truly incredible.

“I hope this reassures anyone experiencing domestic abuse that we have specialist officers who are here to help you. We work extremely closely with our partner agencies to ensure you feel supported through.

“Whenever you feel ready to report what is happening to us, please call 101. You will be listened to, you will be believed and you will be supported throughout any investigation.”

You can report to Cleveland Police at any time of day or night via the 101 number, or online via our website. (Always use 999 in an emergency).

If you’re experiencing domestic abuse, please visit our website for details of organisations that can provide support, including the police: https://orlo.uk/uhRpg