Horrific domestic violence incidents and family court battles reveal shortfalls in the regional justice system

The women behind three tales of shocking domestic abuse at the hands of their once-partners are calling for more action from police and services in the South West. Each of the women have anonymously told their stories of domestic violence and family court matters to the South Western Times in a bid to encourage change. Their stories reveal their brutal assaults, including one who was run over by a car, and another being choked until she fell unconscious. These are their stories and their hopes for a better future. Lena (not her real name) was the victim of severe abuse after being physically attacked by her perpetrator on more than one occasion and left with various severe injuries — some having a permanent effect. Her attacker harassed and tormented her for more than six years threatening her life, damaging her personal property, trespassing on her residence and having a devastating effect on her health, safety and quality of life. She told the South Western Times when the persistent abuser was finally jailed, it was for less than three years. Lena said no justice was achieved for the harassment and intimidation that occurred in addition to the physical attacks which attracted that term. One of the first attacks came about a decade ago, when her then-partner became enraged during a disagreement. She told police on that occasion, he shoved her against a hotel wall, causing her forehead to crash into it before elbowing her to the face and shouting abuse at her. He punched her in the face and threatened to take everything he owned. She told police he choked her until she became unconscious. He later sat with her as she lied to hospital staff who were treating her, after telling her he did not want to go to jail. More assaults followed in the years to come. Her ordeal included the deep financial abuse and hardship often overlooked by the law in domestic violence cases. Lena’s experience also affected her young daughter, prompting them to relocate for better community support away from the area where the abuse occurred and to avoid social isolation. A lack of willingness or ability from friends and the community to help compounded the trauma Lena and her daughter experienced. From her experience with the justice system, Lena said she found some regional police “did nothing” — or were not willing or able to help. Hannah (not her real name) is another South West woman who also experienced physical assaults and violent intimidation, despite the courts attempting to protect her with a family violence restraining order. She revealed to the South Western Times she was left with heavy bruising, cuts and scratches at the hands of her then-partner, but the manipulation and intimidation was the most challenging when it came to making complaints to police. On one occasion, Hannah said he whispered in ear and threatened her. Hannah said the stress of having her children ripped from her instilled even more fear. “With the most serious offence, I was too afraid to call police because I was afraid they would take my child,” she said. Hannah said despite some positive interactions with police, she found it overwhelmingly difficult to get action. She said from her experience having the justice system accept the evidence she presented and a manipulation of the process by the perpetrator were major challenges. Hannah is concerned the justice system is set up to protect the accused in the event they are innocent, but it often meant a victim may be denied justice and protection or an appropriate sentence for the attacker. Unfortunately, despite community legal centres having the best intentions to help the vulnerable, perpetrators can seek legal advice at the same centres, causing conflict which meant the victim often went without urgently needed legal advice and protection. Michelle (not her real name) revealed her dreams of being married with kids had been shattered amid terrible experiences with the legal system. Her ordeal has lasted more than 15 years and she revealed the trauma, anxiety and stress she felt left her struggling to navigate an already difficult legal system. On one occasion she was deliberately injured by her attacker when he drove over one of her limbs. Despite the incident being witnessed, she was unsuccessful in pressing charges. “I realised I was in an extremely toxic and abusive relationship on all levels consisting of physical assaults, mental and emotional (manipulation, gaslighting), as well as financial (abuse),” she said. “For myself I experienced so much shame, guilt (and) hurt. “(I was) upset that someone who is a professional person ended up living in crisis accommodation due to FDV.” Michelle believes the system is unfair for victims of domestic violence also needing help navigating a complex system for family court matters. She said the legal system was expensive and drove people to financial hardship — whether or not they were eligible for legal aid. Michelle found some elements of the legal system were outdated and allowed for individuals to abuse court time and resources with their claims adding to the trauma experienced by victims. For Michelle, local women’s refuges were “proactive and helpful,” helping as much as they could. Waratah Bunbury chief executive Rebecca Jury said the collaboration between police, services and the community was vital in achieving better domestic violence outcomes. She recognised, however, the lasting impact abuse had on victims and their families that did not stop at making a police report. “The family and domestic violence and sexual assault experience doesn’t stop at the court case or when the person leaves the relationship,” she said. “It is an ongoing fight against the impact of the trauma.” If you need help call 1800RESPECT (180073732) or Lifeline 13 11 14