Lauren Javens, a 22-year-old mother, endured five years of harrowing abuse at the hands of her TikTok influencer girlfriend, Hollie Hanson. The abuse, which began when Lauren was just 17, escalated from controlling behavior to physical violence and death threats. Hanson, who amassed a considerable following on social media, manipulated Lauren into isolation, dictating her communication, finances, and even her relationship with her own child. The coercive control extended to monitoring Lauren’s social media, confiscating her phone, and forbidding contact with family and friends. Hanson’s jealousy and possessiveness fueled the abuse, with Lauren enduring constant accusations and restrictions on her freedom. The abuse intensified after Lauren had a child with someone else during a period of separation from Hanson.
The physical abuse Lauren suffered was brutal and varied. Hanson assaulted her with a vodka bottle, leaving her unconscious and with gashes on her legs. In a particularly horrifying incident, Hanson poured fuel on Lauren and set it alight, causing her boots to melt to her legs. The emotional and psychological torment was equally devastating. Hanson routinely destroyed Lauren’s belongings, cutting up her clothes and smashing her makeup in fits of rage. She even went so far as to burn all of Lauren’s son’s belongings in a fire bin. The constant fear and intimidation eroded Lauren’s self-worth, making her believe she was entirely dependent on Hanson.
The turning point came during a terrifying attack in which Hanson strangled Lauren while interrogating her about text messages. Believing she was about to die, Lauren instinctively recorded the assault on her phone. This video, though later deleted by Hanson from Lauren’s phone, had already been sent to Lauren’s aunt, providing crucial evidence of the abuse. This act of bravery, born out of desperation, ultimately led to Hanson’s arrest and conviction. Prior to this, Lauren had lived in constant fear, too terrified to report the abuse to authorities, believing she had nowhere else to turn.
Lauren’s decision to speak out about her ordeal is an act of immense courage. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can empower other victims of domestic abuse to seek help and escape their own abusive situations. Lauren’s journey highlights the insidious nature of coercive control, which often precedes physical violence, trapping victims in a cycle of fear and dependency. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the signs of abuse and seeking support from family, friends, or domestic violence organizations. Lauren’s story also underscores the crucial role that evidence, like the video she recorded, can play in holding abusers accountable.
Hanson was ultimately sentenced to four years in prison for controlling and coercive behaviour, wounding without intent, intentional strangulation, threats to kill, and assault by beating. The judge recognized the severity of the abuse, describing Hanson as a dangerous offender and highlighting the devastating impact of controlling someone’s emotions, movements, and relationships. The lifetime restraining order imposed on Hanson offers Lauren a measure of protection and the opportunity to rebuild her life free from fear. Hanson’s actions, while shocking, unfortunately represent a pattern of abuse often seen in domestic violence cases. The manipulation, isolation, and escalation of violence are hallmarks of coercive control, which can have devastating long-term consequences for victims.
Now in a healthy relationship and expecting her second child, Lauren is focused on healing and creating a stable and loving environment for her family. While the trauma of her past relationship still lingers, she is determined to move forward and reclaim her life. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of survivors and the importance of speaking out against domestic abuse. Lauren’s bravery not only brought her abuser to justice but also offers a beacon of hope for others trapped in similar situations, demonstrating that escape is possible and a brighter future can be built.
