The references aren’t abusive. They don’t contain direct threats. Apart from one message, there aren’t even any profanities. Sent with the consent of both people, as part of a normal relationship, the transactions could be harmless; maybe even romantic. But Holly Carrington, a policy adviser at domestic abuse charity Shine, says the tone and frequency of the transactions suggest a different scenario: these are communications sent by someone who has been blocked from every other method of contact. “Picture if you will, you’re in a relationship where you’ve experienced a range of abusive and controlling tactics over a period of time, and you’re trying to separate from this person,” Carrington says.
Family violence investigations soar: Abuse survivor urges victims to call Police newstalkzb.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from newstalkzb.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Jamie Aldridge assaulted, sexually abused and strangled his partner during their six-month relationship. She was the third woman to be subjected to his violence.
Survivors struggle to access domestic violence leave, two years on from bill
5 Apr, 2021 05:00 PM
7 minutes to read
Workers affected by domestic violence are by law allowed up to 10 days of annual leave. Illustration / Andrew Louis
Workers affected by domestic violence are by law allowed up to 10 days of annual leave. Illustration / Andrew Louis
Warning: This article contains experiences of domestic violence. Employers are being urged to treat domestic violence leave the same as sick leave as survivors report barriers to accessing it - some even needing to provide proof from police.
One woman who escaped violence was shocked victims were being asked to offer evidence of abuse, saying it was disgusting they weren t being believed.