Domestic abuse not just a female affliction


In a recent case a well respected teacher has been punished by the court for systematic domestic abuse perpetrated against her husband over a 12 year period.

The abuse started pre marriage but nevertheless the parties cemented their relationship in marriage and in fact the wife seriously assaulted the husband on their wedding night. The regular assaults took place after the wife had been binge drinking. She managed to sustain her teaching job as she only drank at weekends and did not need alcohol to get through the working day. The husband finally took action when the parties had a child together, setting up a secret camera in the home to record what was happening. The wife received a community penalty and restraining order.

Statistics show that more than 40% of domestic violence victims are men. Male victims of domestic abuse can get confidential help from Mankind Initiative. Female victims can get help from Lighthouse Women’s Aid.

Nicola Furmston is a solicitor and head of the Family team at Barker Gotelee.

Family Solicitors in Ipswich – for more information on our range of legal services, please call the team on 01473 611211 or email [email protected]