'I was in a constant state of fear': Domestic abuse victim speaks out as boyfriend handed restraining order
A domestic abuse victim has spoken out after suffering more than two years of abuse at the hands of the man she trusted.
The woman in her 20s endured ‘horrific abuse’ and described her relationship like ‘something you would see in a horror film.’
She was physically assaulted, and sustained serious injuries including bruising, a broken nose, and a perforated eardrum and every aspect of her life was controlled.
She said: “I was not allowed to have any friends. He ended all my friendships due to control and jealousy. He demanded to have my location on at all times, however this was not enough for him. I was in a constant state of fear, in fight or flight mode.
“I was unable to focus or even find the strength to put on a brave face anymore.
“I was strangled to the point I had accepted that I was going to die at the hands of somebody who was supposed to be my protector in life. He told me on multiple occasions that he was going to take my beauty so nobody else would ever want to be with me again. If he couldn’t have me, nobody could.
“I was held hostage in my own car by Zaman on many occasions, trapped many times when I tried to leave. He hid my car keys, locked doors, smashed my phone, smashed my car and even put my car into a ditch to stop me from escaping him while carrying out the abuse.”
The woman bravely reported the abuse to officers and Shezad Zaman, aged 37 was charged with assault by beating, bodily harm, intentional strangulation and stalking causing alarm or distress.
Zaman of Baldwins Lane, Birmingham was given a 10-year restraining order which will be electronically monitored. He also received a two-year jail term, suspended, which he could face having activated should a further crime be committed.
The woman said: “What I went through has left lasting scars; emotionally, mentally and physically that I will live with every day for the rest of my life. This abuse should never have happened. I have carried the pain of what he did but now I leave him to carry the truth.”
West Midlands Police added: “If you have experienced abuse of any kind then you don’t have to deal with it alone, and you are not to blame for what is happening. Our first priority is to protect you.
“If you're in immediate danger or you know someone who is call 999. Alternatively call 101 or report via LiveChat on our website.
“If you’re not ready to speak to us, you can contact support organisations who will help you.”