Come Forward With Faith

A Kent woman, whose former partner has been jailed for domestic abuse, is speaking out to encourage other victims to contact police.

Stevie Brockman from Canterbury says she was given understanding and support by officers, and that women or men who are suffering abuse at the hands of their partners should 'come forward with faith in the police'.

Ms Brockman was subjected to weeks of harassment by her ex-partner, 31 year old Rishi Francis of St Peter's Street, Canterbury.

Between April and May this year, he bombarded her with threatening text messages, assaulted her and smashed up children's toys in an effort to punish her for ending their relationship.

He also shredded hundreds of pounds worth of her clothing and, whilst in custody, he attempted to eat his mobile phone’s sim card to prevent police from gathering evidence against him.
 
Last week he was jailed for 150 days and is also now subject to a restraining order that will run for an indefinite period.

After sentence was passed Ms Brockman said: ‘"My faith in the police has been restored, everybody has been marvellous. I could not have had better understanding and support, I hope other victims can come forward with faith."

DC Keith Rochford, added: "We do not underestimate how people’s lives become affected by living in fear. We have dedicated support for victims of domestic abuse we take all incidents reported to us extremely seriously.

"My message to anyone suffering emotional or physical abuse is, contact us and you will be taken seriously. We will do everything we can to help you and support you through the whole process when a case goes to court."