A woman in Northern Ireland who survived domestic abuse reported that PSNI officers told her no action could be taken because her evidence was more than six months old. She stated that documenting further abuse became impossible due to its severity. Police also advised her to focus on healing given court delays, and her abuser faced no conviction.

The woman described her relationship starting with intense affection followed by verbal abuse that eroded her confidence and isolated her from friends and family. Physical incidents included spitting, which she recorded on video, pinning her down by kneeling on her arms, and strangling her to the point she feared for her life. She suffered a dislocated knee from a kick during an incident on a golf course in January, requiring an ambulance.

Additional abuse involved visible bite marks on her back and chest, bruises on her arms, a burst lip, and her abuser urinating on her through his clothes. After escaping, she realised through Women's Aid that her experiences matched multiple abuse types. She covered up bruises at work by claiming play fighting.

The abuser sent her messages laughing about another domestic abuse victim's murder and moved to Belfast after their breakup, warning her not to disclose his actions. Years later, she continues to experience fear and questions if her ongoing thoughts are normal.

She shared injury images to raise awareness, stressing that domestic violence includes more than visible bruises. Northern Ireland organisations available for support include Fermanagh and Omagh Women’s Aid at 028 82 441 555 or admin@fowomensaid.org, and Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland at 028 9024 9041 or info@womensaidni.org.

A PSNI spokesperson expressed disappointment at her experience and noted the force's victim-centred approach. Since 2022, PSNI has implemented a Tackling Violence against Women and Girls Action Plan to pursue perpetrators and build trust. Officers receive training to recognise domestic abuse reports and safeguard victims.