Latest news with #abuseawareness
Khaleej Times
23-07-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah women, baby deaths spark urgent call for mental health support, abuse awareness
In the wake of recent tragic deaths in Sharjah, experts and social workers are calling for urgent awareness about the emotional impact of domestic violence and the critical need for timely mental health support. The first involved a young Indian mother and her infant daughter, in a case authorities are investigating as a possible suicide linked to prolonged abuse. Just nine days later, 30-year-old Indian woman Athulya Shekhar was found dead in her apartment near Rolla Park. These incidents have prompted difficult but necessary conversations about the hidden struggles many women endure in silence, often without access to support or even the awareness that help exists. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Abdullah Kamampalam, a social worker based in Sharjah, said this case is a painful reminder of how silent suffering can have unimaginable consequences. 'We are urging people to reach out to a trusted friend, relative, or professional before it's too late. If someone is facing any form of abuse, they must know they are not alone and support is available,' he said. Hidden toll of abuse Khaleej Times spoke to mental health experts who highlighted how domestic abuse, especially when prolonged, can deeply affect victims' psychological wellbeing. When victims are isolated from their support system — whether due to geographic distance from family or social stigma — the impact can be devastating. ' Prolonged domestic abuse can lead to major depression and feelings of helplessness,' said Dr Bino Mary Chacko, specialist psychiatrist at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi. 'It reduces a woman's self-worth, heightens her suicide risk, and often leads to learned helplessness, a psychological state where the victim feels unable to escape or seek help.' For women living abroad, the burden is often heavier. Carolyn Yaffe, a counsellor and cognitive behaviour therapist at Medcare Camali Clinic, said being far from family or familiar support networks can compound the emotional distress. 'Over time, victims may suffer from anxiety, PTSD, and a gradual erosion of their self-esteem,' she said. When children are involved, the emotional burden for the parent becomes heavier and the consequences extend to the next generation. 'Witnessing abuse can cause depression and anxiety in children, and sometimes even lead to personality disorders in the future,' said Dr Chacko. 'Parents are often torn between protecting their child and fearing the legal or emotional consequences of leaving.' Experts said that many victims fear custody battles, social stigma, or legal complications. 'They feel trapped, but every small step toward safety can make a profound difference for both parent and child,' said Yaffe. Why victims hesitate to speak up One of the most pressing questions that arises from such cases is: why do victims stay silent? Cultural pressure, fear of judgment, and deep-rooted social norms often discourage survivors from speaking out. 'Shame, fear of not being believed, or worries about losing their children often silence women,' said Dr Chacko. 'Even parents may advise their daughters to stay and compromise for the sake of the family.' 'Silence doesn't mean acceptance — it often means survival,' added Yaffe. 'Victims have often been manipulated into believing they are overreacting. It's important for communities to build safe, nonjudgmental spaces where people feel supported to speak up.' Recognising the signs Both experts highlighted the role of friends, colleagues, and neighbours in identifying early warning signs. 'Changes in mood, talk of hopelessness, poor performance at work, or sudden social withdrawal can all be red flags,' said Dr Chacko. 'Pay attention and intervene gently.' Yaffe suggested a simple yet powerful approach: 'A message like 'You don't seem like yourself. I am here if you ever want to talk' can open a door. Don't push. Just be there consistently.' Social worker Kamampalam also stressed the importance of normalising conversations around abuse and mental health. 'We should encourage victims to seek professional help, whether through counsellors or hotlines. Early support can save lives.' Message for silent sufferers Leaving a heartfelt message for those in similar situations, Yaffe said: 'To anyone who is silently suffering, you are not alone. Your pain is real, and there is a way forward, even if it feels invisible right now. Every step matters. Healing is possible. Freedom is possible. And you deserve to feel safe and respected.' 'Recognise the warning signs. Speak up early. And remember, help is out there,' added Yaffe. Meanwhile, Kamampalam urged residents to speak to a trusted professional or contact local support centres. 'There are many support groups and hospitals offers counselling services and it is confidential as well."
Sky News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
MP recalls childhood abuse as he calls for law change to make domestic abuse a specific criminal offence
Why you can trust Sky News An MP who decided until recently to "never speak" about the abuse he suffered as a child has shared his harrowing story so that "no kid has to go through" what he did. Josh Babarinde describes being physically abused by his mother's former partner from the age of four, and remembers crying himself to sleep under the covers "hearing shouts, hearing screams and things smash". He says he became hypervigilant growing up and felt safe at school but "like he was treading on eggshells" in his own home. The Eastbourne MP, who is also the Liberal Democrats' justice spokesperson, says his experience has driven his politics. He is calling on the government to stop abusers "slipping through the net" and being released from prison early. Opening up about his story in his twenties was "difficult" but looking back, Mr Babarinde says, he is "so proud of the resilience of that kid". The MP recently found his childhood diary containing Star Wars drawings alongside an entry he wrote from the bathroom. The diary, he recalls, wrote: "I'm really going to try to go (to the toilet) but I can't. Oh my goodness, I'm gonna be in so much trouble, I'm going to get smacked so hard." Then an entry five minutes later: "I still haven't done anything, I'm going to be in so much trouble." He says reading the entry reminded him of how "helpless" he felt. "It was mortifying," he says. "An abuser takes away your sense of self-worth." The 32-year-old is calling on the government to change the law to make domestic abuse a specific criminal offence. The change would mean, he argues, abusers can no longer effectively disguise their history under other offences like assault. He says the Ministry of Justice's early release scheme, which has seen thousands of prisoners released early to ease overcrowding, has failed to exclude domestic abusers despite government promises because there is no formal categorisation for offenders. It is impossible, he argues, to know exactly how many domestic abusers are in prison currently so perpetrators are "slipping through the net" on early release. 2:39 Mr Babarinde says the uncertainty means victims and survivors are not able to prepare for their abuser's release. He said: "They might need to move house or move their kids to a new school, shop in different places. All of these kind of things are so important, and so that's why that commitment the government made was so important." A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: "Our thoughts are with all victims of domestic abuse - it takes immense courage to speak out.
Irish Times
24-06-2025
- Irish Times
Highest number of domestic violence disclosures in 50 years is ‘just tip of iceberg' says Women's Aid
Women's Aid received the highest number of disclosures of domestic violence and abuse in its 50-year history last year, with more than 41,000 women reporting abuse by their partner or ex-partner, and more than 5,000 reporting abuse of children. The 2024 figure for disclosures, up 17 per cent on 2023, included reports of assaults with weapons, constant surveillance, relentless put downs and humiliations, taking and sharing of intimate images online, complete control over all family finances, sexual assault, rape and being threatened with theirs or their children's lives. Five women, the report notes, died in violent circumstances in 2024. The number and nature of the abuse disclosures is 'utterly appalling' but is 'just the tip of the iceberg', said Women's Aid chief executive Sarah Benson. 'Fear, stigma and the debilitating impact of the abuse itself, but also persisting social attitudes to domestic violence, prevent victims from coming forward.' READ MORE Much work needs to be done to break the silence to encourage those in need to get the support they deserve, she said. Domestic violence must be tackled by champions across society and men are needed 'to lead as allies in prevention of male violence'. Women's Aid, she said, is concerned about the 'inconsistent' response from members of An Garda Síochána to record numbers of domestic violence and abuse contacts, including more than 65,000 contacts to the force last year. While there was 'excellent progress' in areas such as the National Protective Services Bureau, 44 per cent of women said they found the gardaí response unhelpful when they sought support. Specialist training regarding domestic abuse and stalking must be a 'core part' of training for all members, not just those in specialist units. Young women, Ms Benson noted, are reporting very high levels of intimate partner and other forms of gender-based violence. A continuing increase in online or technology-facilitated gender-based violence showed the harm of online pornography but there is 'little meaningful accountability' for online platforms and perpetrators. The report said the housing crisis and issues with the family and criminal law processes adversely impact on the ability of victim-survivors to access justice and safety, with greater challenges for those with disabilities and migrant backgrounds. One in three women in contact with Women's Aid services were being subjected to domestic abuse from their ex-partner, said Eavan Ward, the organisation's head of regional services. Separating from a controlling and abusive partner is difficult and a time of heightened risk, she said. Many women needed to access the courts about children's matters but the 'prolonged, costly and disempowering' family law system 'is failing many women and children'. The process often results in unsafe custody and access arrangements which disregard the impact of domestic abuse, including coercive control on children, she said. The annual impact report for 2024, published on Wednesday, discloses that Women's Aid national and regional frontline services were contacted 32,144 times in 2024, up 12 per cent on 2023. There were 46,765 disclosures of incidents of domestic violence and abuse – 41,432 against women and 5,333 against children – up 17 per cent on 2023. Allegation of sexual abuse rose by 30 per cent, physical abuse by 22 per cent, emotional abuse by 15 per cent and economic abuse by 5 per cent. Specialist services are 'overstretched and underfunded' and resourcing by Government and implementation of the Third National Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Strategy remains 'crucial' to effectively reduce the scale and impacts of violence against women and children in Ireland, the organisation said. The final implementation plan for that strategy, published on Tuesday by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan , sets out 95 actions, including expansion of refuge accommodation.
BBC News
16-06-2025
- BBC News
Blyth man told partner to wear make up to hide black eye
A "toxic" domestic abuser who told his girlfriend to wear make up so he did not have to see the black eye he inflicted has been jailed for three years and four Mawhinney, 32, subjected his partner to months of verbal and physical abuse and control, before bombarding her with messages and calls after she broke up with him, Newcastle Crown Court woman said she lied about the injuries he caused her as she was frightened of him and had become a shadow of her former admitted assault, controlling behaviour and intentional strangulation, having previously been jailed for harassing the woman. Mawhinney, of Crofthead Close in Blyth, Northumberland, and the woman were in a relationship for about three years before she ended things in July 2024, prosecutor Daisy Wrigley pair were initially "happy" but about six months in his behaviour changed and he became "excessively jealous", the court heard. Put hole in wall Mawhinney regularly threatened his victim and constantly sent her messages demanding where she was and who with to the point where she stopped going out, Ms Wrigley attacks included strangling her in a hotel room in Newcastle after a night out, the court heard, but she did not support a prosecution as she was "frightened" of what he would broke up with him in April 2024 but awoke one night to find him standing over her bed, Mawhinney having asked a neighbour for a key, the court June she decided to give him another chance but did not tell her family, Ms Wrigley 7 July he attacked her at his home, grabbing her by the hair and ramming her head so hard it caused a hole in a wall, the court also slapped and punched her leaving her with a black eye and swollen eyeball, Ms Wrigley said. Jailed for harassment The following day Mawhinney apologised and urged the woman to stay at his house so her family would not see the injury, the court also told her to "please put make up on" so he did not have to face the consequences of what he had done, Ms Wrigley there may be a deeper injury, the woman went to hospital where Mawhinney joined her, the court "first concern" was what she had told medical staff about how the injury was caused, Ms Wrigley said, with the victim lying to them to hide what he had 10 July she went to police and reported what happened, the court following day Mawhinney bombarded her with 64 phone calls and text messages in which he said it was "absolute madness" and he was "going to get locked up for [her] little lies".After being charged with the offences and initially entering not guilty pleas, he went on to commit a harassment offence against the woman for which he was jailed by magistrates for 12 weeks in January, the court heard. 'Walking shadow' Recorder Jonathan Sandiford KC said Mawhinney's behaviour followed the "normal pattern" and was a "classic example" of domestic started with "love bombing" before becoming a "toxic cycle" of abuse that the woman said sucked the life out of her and left her a "walking shadow of herself", the judge said.A restraining order banning him from contacting her for nine years was also made. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Daily Mail
09-06-2025
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Mother-of-three, 33, bravely details horrific abuse by her violent ex-partner as she shares pictures of her injuries
A courageous mother-of-three who endured years of brutal abuse at the hands of her violent ex-partner has spoken out for the first time – bravely sharing gruesome pictures of the violence inflicted upon her. Holly Bolsover, 33, suffered a 12-year reign of terror at the hands of thug Conar Shaw, 33, who beat, strangled and emotionally tortured her throughout their relationship – even in front of their children. The monster, from Dinnington, South Yorkshire, broke Holly's jaw, choked her, and chillingly threatened to throw acid in her face 'so no-one else would ever want her'. Shaw was jailed for two and a half years at Derby Crown Court in 2023 before being let out under Labour's early release scheme. The trauma he inflicted on beautician Holly left her unable to speak about her ordeal until now. Speaking to Mail Online to empower other women to escape toxic and abusive relationships, she said: 'I will be an advocate for woman out there that haven't got a voice and who are trapped like I was. 'I know I'm in the right mindset to do that. I want to be that woman who tells others: you can get out. Because at the time, you just can't see a way out - you're stuck in it.' Holly was just 18 when she met Shaw, who was the same age. But their early attraction quickly spiralled into violence and control. In one horrifying attack, Shaw tried to drown her in the bath. In another, he broke her jaw so badly that the bone was visible, requiring hundreds of internal stitches and the insertion of a metal plate. She said: 'It was toxic from the start. 'It wouldn't just be a smack, it'd be black eyes, bruises, cuts, or the house would get smashed up. 'I could never have anything nice in the house. If he knew that I had bought it, he'd smash it up because he knew I liked it.' In one terrifying episode, Holly recalled desperately holding a bedroom door shut while Shaw, armed with a serrated kitchen knife, tried to force his way in. 'He stabbed the door. I was on the other side watching the knife come through - like a scene from a horror film,' she said. 'The kids were with me in the bedroom screaming and crying. He sliced his fingers and ended up in hospital, but lied to everyone about how it happened.' In another attack, Shaw dragged her to the floor by her hood and strangled her in front of their young daughter, who was hit as she tried to intervene. Holly said: 'She ended up with a bloody nose, blood all over her face. And he didn't stop. I was screaming, "Look what you're doing to her!" and he just kept going.' Shaw played mind games so effectively that Holly often retracted police statements out of fear she would lose her children. She added: 'I was being blackmailed constantly. He'd say, "If you tell anyone, I'll get the kids taken off you." 'I believed it - I thought no-one would believe me so I kept my mouth shut.' The violence reached such extremes that at one point, when Holly's phone was off, friends and family feared she had been killed after confusing her for a victim in a nearby murder case. 'People were turning up at my house in tears thinking I was dead. That's how bad it had got. 'Everyone used to say, "You're going to end up in a box." And honestly, they weren't wrong.' In 2023, Shaw was jailed for just two and a half years after admitting two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. He served barely over a year behind bars before being released with a lifetime restraining order. The court heard how police were called to an argument in a car outside their home where Holly ended up in hospital with serious injuries to her head and face. Their young daughter told police he was punching her mum so hard the car was shaking. The other assault admitted by Shaw in court happened after Holly ended the relationship and he hunted her down after telling their daughter: 'I'm going to put your mum in A&E.' She said: 'He just walked up and punched me. After he'd finished beating me up, he spat on me and walked off.' Holly condemned Shaw's sentence as 'absolutely disgraceful' and said she feared he would breach his restraining order to find her and her children. Claiming Shaw also once stabbed their pet dog Rascal in a furious rage, she added: 'That sentence barely scratched the surface of what he did. 'Women are fleeing homes, families, their whole lives – and the men walk away with barely any consequence. 'People get more time for drug offences. 'I still have nightmares now that he will suddenly turn up.' Today, Holly is safe and rebuilding her life in South Yorkshire. She has met a new partner, entrepreneur Jack, 31, to whom she is engaged. Last year, the couple welcomed a baby boy. She said: 'I am a complete different woman to what I was then and now I know what a healthy relationship is. 'I thought what I was going through was normal - I just thought that this is what my life is. 'I have never known a love like in my relationship now. I now know how a real man is supposed to treat a woman. 'He shows me and the children how life should be lived and gives them the childhood they deserve.' After posting her graphic injuries on Facebook, Holly said she was contacted by other women trapped in abusive relationships. She said: 'They say the same things I used to say. One girl had me in tears. 'I just kept saying, "I'm not judging you. I've been there. But you need to tell social services. You need to get help." 'These men, they make you believe you're worthless. They make you believe you're going to lose your kids. It's awful. 'I will show women you can get out - you're not alone and I am living proof that you can get out.' Shaw admitted two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and was jailed for two and a half years at Derby Crown Court. Detective Constable Kate Morrell, who led the investigation, said at the time: 'The survivor lived in fear of Shaw for years and still struggles with the mental and physical trauma of what he inflicted on her. 'No-one should have to live like that and so I'm pleased Shaw is now behind bars for his crimes. 'I hope this sentence can help her start to move forward and look to the future.'
