Julie Dale warns young women about dating risky men

Julie Dale, mother of Ashley Dale, urged young women to be cautious in their relationships. She spoke at an event in Anfield that aimed to educate girls about violence against women. Ashley was tragically shot in her home in August 2022 by James Witham, who was looking for her boyfriend, Lee Harrison. Julie shared that many young women are drawn to the glamorous lifestyles they see on social media. She believes this can lead them into dangerous situations. Ashley, who worked as an environmental health officer, did not fit the stereotype of a "typical drug dealer's girlfriend." Despite her education and achievements, she was still vulnerable. The Dales have faced immense pain since Ashley's death. Julie described her grief as a "life sentence." She emphasized that no one deserves to die, especially young women like Ashley who fell in love with the wrong person. Julie encourages young women to be confident in themselves and to recognize red flags in relationships. The event is part of a month-long initiative by Merseyside Police to tackle violence against women. They aim to educate young people on what constitutes acceptable behavior in relationships. In recent years, Merseyside has seen a troubling rise in violence against women and girls. Julie's message is clear: stay aware and prioritize personal safety.