A woman who found the courage to speak to the police about an abusive relationship she was in has been praised for her bravery after her ex-partner was jailed for subjecting her to coercive and controlling behaviour.
The survivor was emotionally controlled over a four-year period by 33-year-old Christopher Rice who made her believe that if she didn’t do exactly what he told her to do he would leave her and also threatened to harm himself if she reported his aggressive and manipulative behaviour to the police.
Rice, of Annesley Woodhouse, bombarded her with text messages throughout their relationship, which began in 2016, including coercive, controlling, and abusive messages.
He constantly accused her of cheating on him, regularly checked her phone and made her delete photos of herself which were on her phone because he believed she would send them to other men.
Rice has now been jailed for two years and three months and has been made the subject of a restraining order after pleading guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour. He was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (21 February 2023).
Police Constable Gill Mee said: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to this lady for the inspirational courage and determination she has shown throughout this case. This has taken a huge emotional toll on both her and her son, over the last three years, while preparing this case for court.
“I wish her the very best in the next stage of the process of rebuilding her life, and most of all in regaining her confidence. Rice has at last been dealt with by the courts and I hope this sentencing can bring her comfort and peace. I would also like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service for dealing with this case with such sensitivity and care.
“Anyone living in an abusive and violent relationship will know how extremely difficult it is to deal with, often leading to becoming completely isolated from friends and other support networks, and it can completely destroy self-esteem.
“The survivor, in this case, has been so brave in telling her story, sometimes under the most difficult of circumstances, and she has shown huge courage in her determination to be heard.
“I also hope this case provides reassurances to others who are suffering, that although the steps to come forward can appear difficult, you will be listened to, helped, and kept safe.
“Police are here to help you and are waiting for your call. If you or anyone else is in danger, please call 999 immediately, and we will come to your aid.
“Any current or historical abuse or violence can be reported at any time, and you can contact us for advice too if that’s what you need right now.
“Survivors may be able to help the police by providing copies of emails, text messages or voicemail recordings, photographs of injuries or damage to property or other evidence which could aid them in their investigation.
“There are many other ways to come forward, and if you feel more comfortable seeking support from another organisation such as a charity or a school, then please speak up as early as you can, to whoever you can.
“I hope this conviction will remind and reassure other survivors that they are not alone. I would urge anyone who feels they are suffering in difficult circumstances to reach out to someone – whether that is a friend who can report on your behalf, by speaking to police directly, or by reporting through any of our partner support agencies.”
Nottinghamshire Police is part of the Make Yourself Heard Campaign, which aims to show people how they can report an emergency when it is not safe to speak.
Dialling 55 after calling 999 takes you through to a silent call service, whereby call handlers will give you specific directions on how to report your emergency.
Support is also available via the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – run by Refuge – on 0808 2000 247 and online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Police Silent Solution: https://www.policeconduct.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Documents/research-learning/Silent_solution_guide.pdf
For more information about Domestic Abuse please read this supporting survivors of domestic abuse page.
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Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid website
Nottinghamshire Women’s Aid provides an extensive range of services for women, young people and children.
Newark Women’s Aid provides safe accommodation, with associated support services, for women with or without children, who are living with or have experienced any form of physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or economic abuse. Tel: 01636 679687
The UK’s only registered charity arranging Non-Molestation Orders, Prohibited Steps Orders & Occupation Orders
Men’s Advice Line is a confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence and abuse.
It offers emotional support, practical advice and information on a wide range of services for further help and support.
Juno’s 24-hour domestic and sexual violence helpline offers support to women, teenage girls and children who have been affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
Tel: 0808 800 0340
Email: enquiries@junowomensaid.org.uk
Deaf and hearing-impaired women can access the Helpline by:
Text Relay/NGT: 18001 0808 800 0340 24 hours a day
Email: helpline@junowomensaid.org.uk daily, 9am – 9pm
Equation: Domestic abuse support for men
Equation provide a free helpline for men which is available Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
A 24/7 confidential answerphone service is also available.
Call: 0115 960 5556
Email: helpline@equation.org.uk
Nottinghamshire Alliance Against Violence
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Nottinghamshire Independent Domestic Abuse Service website
NIDAS is a registered charity, formerly known as Mansfield and Ashfield Women’s Aid.
Its aim is to help people experiencing domestic abuse.
They work hard with other agencies to raise awareness of domestic abus
Karma Nirvana is a registered charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
A free to download app providing support and information to those affected by Domestic Abuse, available in 5 languages, has a unique directory of support services and links of further resources including a journal which you can record incidents.
Safeguarding people- a simple shake or tap activates Hollie guard, immediately notifying your chosen contacts, pinpointing your location and sending audio and video evidence directly to their mobile phones.
Broxtowe Women’s Project (BWP)
BWP are here to help women living in the Borough of Broxtowe who are experiencing domestic abuse.We provide a confidential helpline, outreach service, training courses and drop in sessions, all aimed at empowering women and to help them survive domestic abuse.
Find out more about our services below.
Call us if you need our help on 01773 719 111 or email enquiries@broxtowewp.org
