Woman who lost husband to gambling shares her story at University of Bristol event
She's spoken to world leading experts about her experience
A woman who lost her husband to gambling addiction has spoken with leading experts at the University of Bristol.
Julie Martin's husband took his own life after his addiction left their family with debts of more than one hundred thousand pounds.
Since his death, Julie has worked with charities and academics to raise awareness of the addiction.
"His personality changed - he became insular and snappy. His temper was very short.
"He had five full credit cards and a number of loans and money he'd taken from our savings account.
"I couldn't even afford to buy food. We literally had run out of money, it was really frightening.
"It was having a massive affect on my mental health and his as well - the more he gambled, the more he lost, the more he got into debt, the more it affected him as a person."
Julie's husband's behaviour later became physically abusive.
"He wouldn't accept help and the violence increased. I had to call the police and say - I can't do this anymore.
"I wouldn't wish any of it on my worse enemy, I can't describe to you how desolate I felt about everything."
Julie now provides peer support as an aftercare coordinator with Betknowmore UK to people experiencing gambling harms.
She shared her story at the International Interdisciplinary Colloquium of the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research at the University of Bristol.
The Hub works closely with those with lived experience of gambling harms to raise awareness of the potential devastating consequences of gambling and to ensure that research, prevention and treatment is as relevant and effective as possible.
Prof Michele Acuto, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Bristol, said: “We are very proud of the pioneering work of the Bristol Hub for Gambling Harms Research, which unites leading experts in the field to advance our understanding of the complexity of gambling harms.
“This event is an example of our collective endeavour to keep pushing for positive change, as part of the University’s mission to protect public health, overcome inequalities, and champion social justice.”