A victim of domestic abuse is calling for harsher penalties for perpetrators, advocating for automatic jail time for all convicted abusers. Linda Feeney, a mother-of-two from Londonderry, revealed her ordeal after her former partner, Patrick Owens, received a suspended sentence for assaulting her, escaping prison time. Feeney emphasizes the urgent need for a tougher stance against domestic violence to combat the widespread “epidemic of violence against women and girls.”
The Office of the Lady Chief Justice acknowledges the pervasive nature of domestic violence in society and vows to combat it effectively. Feeney describes Owens as a charming individual initially, but their relationship quickly turned abusive, escalating to physical violence, emotional manipulation, and controlling behavior. Despite the abuse, Feeney struggled to leave, feeling isolated and trapped by the perpetrator’s actions.
One harrowing incident recounted by Feeney involved Owens violently strangling her, instilling fear for her life. The relentless abuse shattered her confidence and self-worth, highlighting the complex dynamics of abusive relationships. Despite enduring physical and emotional trauma, Feeney courageously reported the assaults, leading to Owens’ conviction for common assault aggravated by domestic abuse.
As Owens received a suspended prison sentence, Feeney advocates for mandatory incarceration for convicted domestic abusers to ensure justice and protection for victims. The court also imposed a restraining order on Owens, providing Feeney with some peace of mind amid the ongoing ordeal. Feeney’s ordeal sheds light on the challenging realities faced by domestic abuse survivors and underscores the crucial need for robust legal measures to address this pressing issue
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
