Victim demands automatic jail sentences for abusers

Linda Feeney, a domestic abuse survivor from Londonderry, is calling for automatic jail sentences for convicted domestic abusers. Her plea comes after her former boyfriend, Patrick Owens, received a suspended sentence for assaulting her. Feeney spoke out after Owens was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for a year, after pleading guilty to common assault aggravated by domestic abuse. She described the escalation of violence in their relationship, which included physical assaults and emotional control. Feeney recounted her experiences, stating that Owens had attacked her multiple times over two and a half years. The violence began with verbal insults and escalated to physical attacks. Feeney shared that Owens once strangled her, leading her to fear for her life. She emphasized that leaving such an abusive situation is not easy, as victims often feel isolated from friends and family. Although Feeney felt some justice with the court's decision, she believes stricter measures are necessary to combat domestic violence. The court also issued a two-year restraining order against Owens, preventing him from contacting her. The Office of the Lady Chief Justice acknowledged the seriousness of domestic violence and stated that sentencing depends on various factors, including the specifics of each case. Feeney hopes that discussing these issues can help others in similar situations.