I Am a Survivor of Domestic Violence

Did the police actually prosecute her? What was the outcome?

@Caroline259: I was semi concious.
Taken to hospital by ambulance and was examined by E:R personnel and later a police surgeon.
Police asked what happened. I explained. They interviewed my ex wife, after some avoidance ! My neighbours too.
Information collated they asked if I would prosecute. I said yes but was worried re: provision for my children until I was able to take care of them myself. They contacted my family. My folks looked after the children until I was released from hospital nearly a month later !
The ex wife was arrested shortly after my folks arrived. Children placed in their care.
Ex wife assaulted police officer making the enquiry. She was arrested and charged on two counts of assault one with intent to kill !
I thought that was a bit strong but the police surgeon said any use of heavy weapon on a man sleeping would be interpreted that way !!
Had to go to court, had to try and explain to my children what had happened, where I'd been, where mum was, who these weird people were (social workers) etc.
Huge great horrible mess !
She got ten years. And served less than seven.

@Picklebobble: "They interviewed my ex wife, after some avoidance!" Do you mean they tried to avoid taking action? That wouldn't surprise me at all. Interesting also that they asked if you wanted to prosecute. They make it very clear that they don't need the victim's complaint in order to take action when the victim is female.

Attacking the police officer didn't help her, it might even have been why she was prosecuted.

To be honest, I'm surprised the police helped you like they did. Was a senior female police officer involved?

The sentence doesn't sound unduly lenient. I presume she was out on licence after seven years. Pretty much standard practice.

@Caroline259: No, she tried to avoid them ! Hence the delay in taking her statement.
No female officers involved. And yes I did get the odd look.
The interviewing sergeant even asked why "I didnt give her the odd back-hander !!!"
The event itself was demoralising.
The police business, de-humanising !

@Picklebobble: The interviewing sergeant's comment was completely out of order. Both you and he knew that you would immediately become the abuser of the "poor woman" if you did.

I'm pleased you saw it through and got justice in the end.

@Caroline259: But at what cost ?
Stuff like this never leaves you.
You carry it everyday !
I'm reluctant to even think about finding another partner. What damage did the loss of their mother do to my children ?

My husband still bears the scars, mental and physical, from when he was abused so I think I have a little idea of what it's like. It took a long while for him to be at ease with me. Even now I can frighten him if I make a sudden move. :(

Consider what damage would have been done to your children if you had stayed together. Would you and they even be alive?

@Caroline259: Over the last ten years they have talked about it.
Prior to her release from prison she wrote several letters to all of them asking them to come and see her so she could explain.
Two of them didnt want to know and let her know via a social worker.
My eldest actually went to see her !
I didnt know until fairly recently.
He said he was looking everywhere as he was taken through the prison to the waiting area.
Trying to get a sense of what life might be like for her living there.
Aparantly his mother spoke about how sorry she was and what her plans were on release.....
And at the end he stood up, said goodbye and hasn't seen her since !

@Picklebobble: Sounds to me that they came through OK. You should be proud of yourself.

@Caroline259: Somehow I don't feel it !