domestic assault

[phoebe2k10]

I have been with my husband for 21 months and married for 7 months. We have been having a lot of domestic arguments in which he hit me, abused me. In addition, he is very jealous and posessive. I have never reported it to the police cos I love him and he has been trying to change but th stress of unemployment hs taken its toll.
We had a argument in which he attempted to choke me and put a pillow over my face. He also smashed glasses in our home and I had a minor cut. I called for an ambulance cos i did not know if the cut was deep or not. The ambulance arrived with the police and he was arrested.

The police convinced me to give a statement on what happened and in my statement, I insisted that I didn't want him charged, taken to court or jail as I believe he would respond to counselling or anger management.

He was still charged anyway and brought before the magistrate court. I was informed that he was charged with ABH and was remanded to wormwood scrubs till the hearing in a week's time.

I really don't want to lose my husband cos he is all i have, I love him, he has been trying to keep his stress and anger under control and I know he would respond positively to counselling and anger management.

What sentence can i expect and will i be allowed to visit him in wormwood

[bednobs]

if you know he would respond to to counselling and anger management, why hasn't he had it?
do you know why he was remanded instead of being out on bail? it might have an effect on sentence
Who told you what had happened? Is there a victim support officer at the court?

[Lisa0803]

Phoebe,

Please understand that others sometimes do not understand the 'in's and outs' of an abusive relationship. It's very easy for others to say 'just leave' and 'how can you put up with that'. Listen to their advice because the majority of people would not tolerate abuse, however you need to look very closely at your situation and decide what is best for you. The hands of the police are tied when it comes to domestic situations. They have to been seen to take positive action (in other words removing you husband from the situation - arresting him) The CPS then make the decision on whether he is charged, not the police as the have very little influence on this.

Anger management is not suitable for domestic abusers. There is a possibilty that your husband may be required to complete a domestic abuse course (depending on what is run in your area) by the court. If he does not recieve this as part of his conviction, you must seriously consider if he would be prepared to undertake this. Generally the courses are given to repeat offenders but he can apply for the course himself, but it will be voluntary an it will require a willingness to change. Enquire at you CAB, they will have details of the courses in your area.

If your husband has no previous convictions for violence (not just against you) it is unlikely he will recieve a custodial sentence. It is likely to be a suspended sentence or a community order.

You should be able to see him in Wormwood Scrubs.