Alanna Milligan-Macdonald

I’m a 61 year old Canadian who now lives on a remote Island of the west coast of Scotland called the Isle of Lewis. I am currently writing my Memoir that tells the story of my survival. I survived more than 13 years of abuse, control and manipulation at the hands of my then husband. This all happened during the 80s in Ontario where all four of my children were born. The number of horrific events of violence and abuse is unbelievable which is unfortunately like so many other victims’ stories. The reason I feel compelled to tell my story now after all these years, is that I still want to be able to help others in similar situations. Even more importantly, I want to educate as many people as possible about the dangers of abuse and control and that it can happen to anyone.
Some features of my story are:
- The police and court system wouldn’t believe my side of the story so he was awarded custody even after being arrested on Sexual Assault charges
-I had to fight for years to get my children back living with me
- I finally won a two week custody battle but had to be reminded by my lawyer that I needed to act more like a victim on the stand. I was coming across as too strong a woman.
- fast forward 20 years later and I am contacted by the RCMP in another province to testify against my ex-husband onSexual Assault charges. He never changed as I knew he wouldn’t and unfortunately gone on to terrorise other women and have more children.
- My story helps to have him found guilty on these charges and the Crown Attorneys call me personally to tell me. They also let me know that meeting me and hearing about the success of my life, had inspired them to keep doing what they do each day.
- Later the next year, he dies while in prison
My friends and family are not sure if they should offer condolences or congratulations.
- After retiring from teaching in 2022, I begin to write my story finally. Knowing I need to give myself time and space for both healing and writing, I move to a Scottish Island to live for 4-5 months. My Scottish ancestors are from this part of the world so it feels right.
- I begin a blog on the day of my departure from Pearson Airport and I title it. “The Next Chapter. Writing My happy Ending”
- I should note that at this point in my life I have been single for over 25 years and gone on one date that was awful.

- While going through some of the details of my past I come across a Newspaper Article about my ex-husband. I know that he had never changed and probably hurt others as well, but I’m shocked to find out that there are men and women from across the country that have left comments on the Article relating their own horrific stories about the evil of this man. That hits very hard and is still some grapple with. He hurt so many people and I only ever thought about it from my perspective. I want to be able to track down all his victims some how so perhaps we could support each other and get some closure. * I’m not even sure how to go about doing this *
- I write everyday and walk the Beaches of this beautiful island. One morning about 3 months into my stay I take a bus into town and meet a lovely gentleman. I actually spoke to him first which is not like me at all. We really click and spend an hour or so together in town.
- Not to spoil the end of my book but we went on our first date 2 days later and have been inseparable ever since.
- We were married five months later and I now know what it is like to be fully seen, loved and respected. This allows me to fully Love in a way I never thought was possible.
-Coming full circle I am now onThe Board of Directors for the Western Isle Women’s Aid.
I am continuing to write my Story and hope to have it completed by the end of 2025.

I don’t have a Social Media Presence that includes my story as of yet but I’m working on that as well.

I hope that my story intrigues you enough to be in contact but I also understand that you will hear from many people.

I have followed you on Instagram for several years and want to thank you for this Podcast project. Your honesty and vulnerability has always inspired me. You are gift to so many!!
Thank you for your time