The first time Megan Paterson saw a gun, it was being held against her head by a crazed ex-boyfriend.

He shot her four times ­— once in the head — before he took his own life.

That was 10 years ago. That day, June 1, 2003, shattered Paterson’s world. On Monday, she told her story as part of a new campaign to increase awareness about violence against women.

The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women joined Ottawa police in announcing the "Shine the Light" campaign, which aims to boost awareness about violence against women and girls.

It was a very quiet room when Paterson, at times overcome with emotion, relived her nightmare.

She was a straight-A student growing up in Kanata. She had never been around guns, drugs, or run with the wrong crowd.

She went on a few dates, but knew there was no long-term potential. He didn’t take it well.

On the night of June 1, he broke into her apartment and held her at gunpoint for several hours.

“When you imagine being in a hostage situation, it’s very easy to say what you could’ve done, or what you should do, or what you would do. But I know from experience you don’t really know until you’re in that situation,” said Paterson. “And that night I did whatever I was told.”

Paterson was repeatedly raped and tortured.

When the gunshots started, the tactical team was breaking down the door. The ex-boyfriend turned the gun on himself.

Paterson suffered four gunshot wounds — one bullet missed her brain stem by less than two inches.

But the emotional trauma far outweighed any physical injuries. She said the first year after being shot was the worst of her life. For a time, she wished she hadn’t survived.

“I was nervous, I was jumpy, I was anxious. I couldn’t walk through a door without looking behind me, I couldn’t get in my car without checking my backseat and looking under my car,” said Paterson. “Even though I knew he was dead, I swear I saw him everywhere I went.”

Yet with support and counselling, each year has gotten better. Now 39, she still has nightmares, but considers herself a “successful survivor.”

“I was, and still consider myself to be, the luckiest girl alive,” said Paterson. “I can survive anything. I am literally bulletproof.”

Experts say even talking about the issue is a step forward.

“Although there is more visibility today, and we are able to openly talk about it, many women still never tell anybody,” said Sunny Marriner, with the Ottawa Rape Crisis Centre. “There’s no greater gift that you can give people than to make them visible and acknowledge their experience.”

Ottawa Police are seeing a rise in spousal assaults, according to Supt. Don Sweet. The service is working to ensure officers continue to be armed with the best tools and training to battle back against domestic violence.

The second annual local campaign uses the colour purple — on posters, ribbons, window decals and city hall lights — to show support. Several Elgin St. businesses also highlight the colour during the campaign.

The campaign runs until Dec. 6 as part of Women Abuse Prevention Month initiatives throughout the province.

Twitter: @ottawasundbell