A woman who endured a decade of coercive control and violence has spoken of the devastating impact of the abuse after her perpetrator was jailed. Asif Alam subjected the survivor to years of controlling behaviour and physical abuse, with his crimes beginning when she was just 15 and he was 28, a court heard.
Victim's Account of Psychological Harm
In a victim impact statement, she described the lasting psychological effects, including complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), recurring nightmares and flashbacks. She said: "The realisation of the abuse has destroyed my mental health, I have been diagnosed with Complex PTSD and I have been told that this is because my body doesn’t know how to react to the trauma from the past twelve years."
She added: "I haven’t been able to sleep a full night, I have constant and vivid nightmares, thinking about what he’s done to me, I often have nightmares about his hands squeezing around my neck and I can feel it getting tighter until I wake up sweating. I have flashbacks randomly throughout the day, even when I am doing mundane things. There’s no trigger and it is clear as day, visions of him hitting me, like a scary film playing in my head."
She continued: "I have sought help and I have been given medication, but it doesn’t seem to help, I have suicidal thoughts and I am scared that if I am on any stronger medication then it might make my thoughts worse. I try to feel optimistic for the future and I hope that one day the nightmares and flashbacks will stop, and I can finally live my life with the freedom that I lost when I was 15 years old."
Sentencing and Restraining Order
Alam, 40, who lived at Alston Gardens in Burnage, admitted four offences: coercive and controlling behaviour, intentional non-fatal strangulation, assault by beating and stalking involving fear of violence. He was sentenced to four years in prison on Friday, October 9. The court also imposed a restraining order lasting 16 years.
Police Response and Support
Detective Constable Chloe Stevens thanked the survivor for having the courage to report the abuse and speak about her experiences. She said: "I'd like to thank the incredibly brave survivor for coming forward and speaking to us about the abuse she was subjected to. I hope today's sentence provides her and her loved ones with a measure of justice and closure as she looks to rebuild her life."
She added: "I would urge anyone experiencing abusive, controlling or coercive behaviour to come forward and speak to police. Preventing violence against women and girls remains a priority for Greater Manchester Police, and we are committed to providing victims with the support, protection and assistance they need."
Greater Manchester Police is urging anyone experiencing domestic abuse to seek help. Victims can contact police by calling 101, submitting a report through the force's website or using its Live Chat service. The force said it was committed to protecting vulnerable people, reducing harm and bringing offenders to justice, adding that victims would be listened to, supported and helped.
Anyone in immediate danger should call 999. Support is also available to people who do not wish to report their experiences to the police. The following organisations can offer advice and assistance: Greater Manchester Domestic Abuse Helpline, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm excluding bank holidays, which supports people experiencing domestic abuse and offers language assistance and advice for the LGBT community; End the Fear, which provides information about domestic abuse support and services across Greater Manchester; and the Freedom Programme at Stockport Women's Centre, which offers support and information for women affected by abusive relationships.
