Woman calls ex-partner a ‘dangerous man’ in higher court trial

A woman who, according to prosecutors, was continuously manipulated and abused by her partner, told a court that she had left him and wanted a protection order to keep her safe from a “dangerous man.”

The man, who has his name deleted, faces a series of serious charges of physical and sexual violence.

Denies all eight charges; two for rape, three for assault, two for assault with a weapon and one for a death threat.

His trial before Judge Timothy Brewer in Auckland High Court began yesterday.

Opening the case, Crown Prosecutor Fiona Culliney said the defendant was manipulative and abusive during the short relationship.

They had moved in together quickly, with her financial dependency making her feel trapped and making it harder to leave, she said.

The Crown alleges that she was threatened with knives during the relationship and that one night in January 2017, death threats were used to force her to perform sexual acts.

Today the whistleblower, whose name is protected by law, spoke more about the end of the relationship in April 2017.

Defense attorney Belinda Sellars, QC, said that when the woman went to police she did not mention any sex crimes or the night in January.

“I was not prepared to talk about it,” replied the complainant.

The defense attorney also asked what he was concerned about at the time.

“You were worried about getting the bail back … You wanted to get your things back,” Sellars said.

The court heard that the plaintiff did not want any of her friends to enter the house at that time.

Is that one of the reasons the complainant thought it was necessary to obtain the furniture order and the protection order? Sellars asked.

The woman replied that she wanted the furniture back because she had bought it.

“And I got the protection order to keep me safe from a very dangerous man.”

Upon being re-examined by Culliney, the woman explained what she had initially told the police.

“My mind was racing. I had just quit, of course there will be things that will be different as time goes on.

“I’ve been to counselors … I’ve had to work on myself for the last four years …”

She had been able to talk about things she had once rejected as she had gotten stronger, she said.

The court also heard today from a former roommate who had heard raised voices arguing about half a dozen times; I believed that sometimes it was about money.

“It gave me the impression that she was financing their relationship,” he said.

“I didn’t know much about their relationship at the time. I didn’t want to intervene.”

On one occasion, he said, he thought he had heard what was probably shoving and shoving.

“Noises that weren’t just car doors opening or garage doors opening.”

The accused has not chosen to testify and the trial is expected to conclude tomorrow.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – DO YOU NEED HELP?

If you are in danger now:

• Call the police at 111 or ask your friends’ neighbors to call you.
• Run outside and go where other people are.
• Yell for help so your neighbors can hear you.
• Take the children with you.
• Don’t stop to buy anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember that it is not your fault. Violence is never okay

Where to go for help or more information:

• Shine, toll free national helpline from 9 am to 11 pm every day – 0508 744 633 www.2shine.org.nz
• Women’s shelter: the free national crisis line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – 0800 shelter or 0800 733 843 www.womensrefuge.org.nz
• Shakti: Provides specialized cultural services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and their children. Crisis line 24/7 0800742584
• Not OK: information line 0800 456 450 www.areyouok.org.nz