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The horrific photographs of Charles Saatchi apparently strangling his celebrity chef wife Nigella Lawson have rekindled memories for Timaru Herald features editor Claire Allison.
It was his explanation that was just about the end of the iPad. Charles Saatchi explained, suavely and confidently, that the photographs were misleading.
That he and his wife, Nigella Lawson, were discussing the children, and that to “emphasise his point” he had held his hand to her throat. It was, he explained, merely a “playful tiff”.
And it was then, with an effort of will, I carefully put down the iPad and walked away.
Please tell me no-one bought that bullshit. Seriously? Did you see the look on Ms Lawson’s face? Clearly no-one thought to tell her it was just a “playful tiff”. And who puts their hands around someone’s throat to “make their point”?
This was not a tiff, nor was it an argument. It was violence.
And so now, I need to make it clear – if it is not already – that this is not going to be some coolly unbiased look at the dynamic of domestic violence.
I need to be up front about the fact that I have been in an abusive relationship.
I have had too many dealings with police while dressed only in my nightie and dressing gown, too many calls from Victim Support, dealings with Women’s Refuge, with lawyers, crying to my friend; feeling frightened, angry, sad, humiliated and ashamed.
There were too many “incidents”, as I euphemistically called them, times when I was forced to leave my home – usually at night – either by being pushed physically out the door, or because I feared for my safety. Continue reading
Sources
- Claire Allison in Stuff
- Image: The Telegraph
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News category: Analysis and Comment.
