In February 2025 I appeared in court to give evidence against my ex partner who was a Police officer. My case had taken thirty six years to get him in court. During these 36 years I was failed by:

• not one  but three police forces;
• the justice system who adjourned my case three times in the six year period;
• the victim care officer's complete lack of support during the process; and
• the investigating officer who let my case sit for months on end with no action. 

After all of this failure and a two week hearing my ex walked free from court.

I cannot change the outcome of my case but what I can change is how people are treated during this process. All victims deserve care and support. My ex was allowed his day in court, but I was not allowed to read my impact statement. This was due to him being found not guilty.

What I endured over the course of this process reminded me of and the seven years of domestic abuse and coercive control at the hands of my ex. 

I am now campaigning to have this changed and  for any domestic violence case to be heard in front of trauma informed professionals and not just a jury alone.

The fact that you are only allowed to

read you're impact statement if the defendant is found guilty smacks of an outdated precedent. I believe that the process should include the chance (if wanted) for the victim to share their experience. 

We should be given the opportunity to have our  voices heard and describe how the violence has impacted our lives. Domestic violence is a complex  situation to understand and needs professionals to be trauma informed and approach with an understanding of how someone can have power over you mentally physically, emotionally and financially.

Being the victim of coercive control, abuse and financial dependency is not something I wish on anyone. I also am grateful that not everyone has experienced violence in their lives. However when passing judgement on such cases, how can someone without the experience or knowledge assess the nuance and impact. This is why I believe it is so important for a jury to hear directly from the victim as part of the process. 

As a survivor I am asking for digital signatures so that I can take my pledge to Parliament. I want them to look at the way we deal with victims of domestic violence. If we are not allowed to talk about it how will anyone ever understand what we have gone through. More importantly how will we protect future victims for falling prey to the same trap of silence and isolation. 

Domestic violence has a chance to continue as it is rarely discussed. In the UK, and average of 1 person a week is killed by their current or former partner. I was one of the lucky ones and I want to use my voice to ensure that we are heard and victims are not left isolated, alone and let down by the systems that are supposed to protect us. 

Domestic violence doesnt dcriminative so why is our justice system? Let's change this! 

With  Love and gratitude.

Michelle shoulder.