Victim of domestic abuse speaks out as ex-partner convicted under new law

“I was petrified, I thought I was going to die.”

Those are the words of a woman who was strangled by her ex-partner until she passed out as he found guilty for an offence which came into effect six months ago.

The 42-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, was yesterday (Monday 12 December) convicted at Leicester Crown Court of unlawfully and maliciously wounding and non-fatal strangulation – which became an offence in its own right on 7 June this year.

He was also found not guilty of two counts of rape.

Today (Tuesday 13 December), for the two offences, he was given a 22-month sentence, suspended for two years and a 10-year restraining order against the victim.

It was during the evening of Thursday 9 June at an address in Leicestershire that the 27-year-old woman was subjected to a violent attack – one she believed she wasn’t going to get out of alive.

As the defendant was charged with rape, the victim in this case has the right to be kept anonymous under the Sexual Offences Act but wishes to speak out about their relationship and the pain and suffering she endured.

She said: “After multiple calls and messages throughout the day I eventually let him come over. He hadn’t been there long when things turned physical.

“We were talking when out of nowhere he snapped; grabbed me by the neck and smashed my head on the floor. As I tried to escape he dragged me by the hair into another room and as I lay on the floor he kicked and punched me. He then grabbed me around the neck and as he tightened his grip I could not breathe. Before I passed out I was petrified, I thought I was going to die.

“I’ve known him for a couple of years now and it’s been hell. I was holding on to the man he was when I first met him – he made me laugh, he’d take me places – I loved his company. As things turned bad I held on to the hope that the person I cared for was in there somewhere and would come back.

“I knew I needed help but I felt ashamed when ringing the police - I know I shouldn’t but I did. Now with the support of family and friends I’ve got to find myself again and rebuild my life.”

Following the horrific incident, the defendant left the property and the woman was able to seek help nearby. Police were then called and upon attending the location of the attack they discovered pools of blood on the floor, as well as a glass bottle nearby – believed to have also been used during the assault.

The victim sustained cuts and bruises to her face, head, arms and legs and is still suffering with headaches months after the attack having been diagnosed with severe concussion.

Her attacker was quickly located, arrested and subsequently charged. He was the first person Leicestershire Police charged with the new offence of non-fatal strangulation under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The offence typically involves a perpetrator strangling or intentionally affecting their victim’s ability to breathe in an attempt to control or intimidate them.  

The decision to make it a specific offence was made following concerns that perpetrators were avoiding punishment as the act can often leave no visible injury - making it harder to prosecute under existing offences.

The defendant had also previously pleaded guilty to breach of a restraining order against the same victim at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to one day in prison – which he has already served.

Temporary Detective Constable Lorraine Hendrie, officer in the case, said: “The woman in this case showed great strength and bravery in being able to come forward and tell us what had happened to her during that evening.

“She suffered a violent and terrifying attack and has not only been left with physical scars from that night but mental and emotional trauma which will take much longer to heal. I do hope with the support of abuse services and those around her she can now begin to move forward.”

Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Batchelor, force lead for domestic abuse, said: “Tackling abuse such as this and providing support to those who suffer at the hands of their partners and ex-partners is a top priority for the force.

“The attack this woman endured was horrendous so I am particularly pleased the defendant was convicted under this new offence which recognises a particularly horrific act.

“To anyone who is suffering or concerned about an abusive relationship – please know you are not alone and have nothing to be ashamed of. We have specially trained officers who are here to listen and support you. Please contact us or local support services and seek help.”

You can report domestic abuse by calling police on 101, or in an emergency 999. You can also report online Report domestic abuse | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk)

Freeva (free from violence and abuse) provides specialist support to help break the cycle of violence and abuse. Visit FreeVA Support – Free from Violence & Abuse or call 0808 802 0028

Other support services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can also be found online Support organisations for victims of domestic violence | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk)