Beauty queen, 25, reveals 18-month stalking hell as ex-partner bombarded her with calls and followed her for 100 miles
A BEAUTY queen left traumatised by her ex-boyfriend has revealed her 18-month stalking hell.
Rehema 'Remi' Muthamia's former partner bombarded her with calls and even followed her for 100 miles.
Remi shared her story after being crowned Miss England 2021 on Friday.
She reached the final under the new category of Miss All African Colours, and eventually clinched the title in Coventry after beating hundreds of hopefuls to the top.
In her acceptance speech, brave Remi said she hoped to use her high-profile role to help other women trapped in abusive relationships.
The health technology consultant said: "I would have to say that the most difficult experience that I've had in life is having gone through an abusive relationship and it's not something that people speak about, especially in young women - I am only 25.
"But having gone through a relationship that was abusive, it helped me learn more about myself.
"In fact, unfortunately the relationship and the abuse was made public in the press and it was a terrible experience having to go through that.
"But knowing that I was able to come through that experience, learn more about myself and my worth, who I am as a woman and be able to now use this platform in Miss England to help other women that may be in my position."
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Remi, from north west London, was hounded by her former boyfriend Lorenzo Dixon, 27, after they split up in 2019.
Trainee lawyer Dixon followed her for nearly 100 miles on a train and inundated her with calls, letters, texts, emails and gifts.
Despite a police warning in 2019, he continued until being charged with stalking and harassment in July 2020, which he admitted in court in February.
In April, Brighton magistrates gave him a 12-month community order, 30 hours of rehab, a restraining order and told him to pay Remi £500.
Describing her ordeal, genetics graduate Remi said: "Calls came in every few seconds.
"I'm scared I'll always have to look over my shoulder."
What to do if you are being stalked
If you are being stalked, contact the police - you have a right to feel safe.
Stalking is illegal and can include being followed or constantly harassed by another person - for example being sent unwanted messages and gifts.
If the behaviour is persistent and clearly unwanted, causing you fear, distress or anxiety, you should not have to live with it.
recommends keeping a record of what happened, where and when you were followed or contacted by your stalker.
Do not confront or engage with your stalker and do not agree to meet them.
For advice on what do, you can contact the following helplines:
- National Stalking Helpline - 0808 802 0300
You can also use the to find support in your local area.
if you’re in Scotland.
Remi also previously said: "I’ve had my own personal experiences of domestic abuse and I just thought if I can use the platform that I have to raise awareness and bring the conversation to light, this is the best place to do so.
"I think there’s almost a misconception or a stereotype around beauty pageants that they are just superficial and materialistic and all about beautiful women walking up and down a catwalk in a bikini.
"But what I’ve come to understand about it is it is actually more about charity work and having a passion or a cause that you want to advocate for."
While taking part in Miss All African Colours, which was set up following last year's Black Lives Matter protests, Remi raised money for Women's Aid.
She was later anointed by former Miss England Dr Bhasha Mukherjee, who wore the crown for two years after last year's contest was cancelled due to coronavirus.
Remi will represent England at the 70th Miss World in Puerto Rico later this year.
She won £2,000 in cash, a wardrobe of evening wear, a photo shoot, a personalized website, and luggage.
Remi, who spent part of her childhood in Kenya and speaks four languages, said: "My family are so supportive, they can't stop talking about it, and the Kenyan community has really got behind me and wanted to support me and loved seeing someone from my heritage being represented."
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HOW YOU CAN GET HELP:
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available every day from 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
If you believe you are being stalked, you should contact the police. You can also get advice from the National Stalking Helpline on 0808 802 0300.