Imagine you spent time making a plan of what you would do if someone was going to kill you.
That’s the reality for one victim of domestic abuse who suffered at the hands of her perpetrator for almost a decade.
Her abuser, Toni Flisik, 38, of Fernback Crescent in Ascot, was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Wednesday (23 March) after pleading guilty to grievous bodily harm and coercive controlling behaviour.
The victim disclosed that Flisik’s abuse towards her began in 2012 and continued for nearly a decade. Flisik was often verbally abusive and violently assaulted the victim on multiple occasions, resulting in broken bones.
In a statement the victim said: “It feels as though the abuse that I was subjected to over the past decade has touched every single part of my life and I cannot even escape the thoughts and memories of what has happened at night. When I try to sleep, my head is full of invasive thoughts and memories. Something that I find myself doing is making plans for what I would do in case Toni came to my flat and tried to kill me. I have planned where I would hide, who I would call and how I would protect myself.
“I have lost friends, lost jobs and I just haven’t been able to have the experiences that any other normal young person would have had.”
Flisik was sentenced to five years and 11 months’ imprisonment.
Detective Constable Rachel Bennett, who investigated the case, said: “The extent of Flisik’s behaviour was horrific; to be a victim of that abuse for nearly a decade is unthinkable to most of us. After the victim came forward, my colleagues and I have been there to support to her as well as investigate the case, as we know how much of a devastating impact this crime has on the lives of victims.
“I’d really urge anyone who may be a victim of domestic abuse, or know someone who is a victim, to please reach out for help. We take reports of domestic abuse extremely seriously, and we are here to listen and support all victims.”
If you are suffering from physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse, or are being threatened, intimidated or stalked by a current or previous partner or close family member, it’s likely you’re a victim of domestic abuse.
You’re not to blame for what’s happening. You’re not alone.
