A Wigan woman has revealed the moment her ex-boyfriend broke her nose and jaw in a frenzied and completely unprovoked attack.
Robyn Howard had not long returned from a night out celebrating her new job when her ex flew into a violent rage. The 23-year-old screamed out for help as he punched and kicked her in the head, causing a worried neighbour to dial 999.
Social worker Robyn managed to flee to her brother's house and was taken to hospital. Disturbing photos show her blood-splattered walls and gruesome injuries from the attack.
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On July 11, her ex pleaded guilty to causing her actual bodily harm and magistrates in Manchester sentenced him to 24 weeks in custody, suspended for two years. He was also given a two-year restraining order, which prevents any contact with Robyn, ordered to pay £250 compensation and complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Robyn, who did not want to name her 30-year-old former partner, says she now finds it difficult to trust men following the “out of the blue” attack. “My now ex-partner violently attacked me which was unprovoked. To this day I don’t know why which made the healing process even harder.
“I received the first punch knocking me to the floor. Whilst I was down, I received several kicks to the head and body. I scrambled up and received more punches to the face and head.
“I ran to escape but received more and more punches, it felt never ending. I finally got to the front door but I couldn’t get out. I screamed for help over and over when eventually my neighbour heard and called the police.
“He was arrested and I was taken to hospital. I had a broken nose and fractured jaw but I escaped with my life.”
The brutal nature of the attack made her believe the man had committed a similar offence before. Robyn is now urging women to report domestic abuse so perpetrators can be found on the system when it is checked by worried partners - known as Clare’s Law.
Robyn has teamed up with Wigan Borough Domestic Abuse Services to organise a fundraising event on October 15 at the DW Stadium in her hometown. “I am not sharing my story for sympathy,” she continued. "My goal is to share awareness about domestic violence and domestic abuse. If I am able to inform one person about how to seek help, I know I have made a difference.
“I know speaking out is hard, believe me. But we have to fight to see a reduction in these hideous offences. There are people and services out there to support you.
“You might think this will never happen to you - I thought the same. Just please take the time to educate yourself.”
Robyn hopes to raise money for Target Hardening, which helps improve security at homes of domestic abuse victims, and Refuge, which provides shelter to victims.
Tickets are £25 each and include a hot meal, live music, a bingo card and a donation to charity. Visit Charity Fundraiser - From Pain to Purpose to buy a ticket.
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