A victim of domestic abuse has spoken out after her husband Dylan Smithson was jailed.
Smithson coercively controlled his wife for two years, threatening her with violence toward the end of their relationship.
The victim, a woman in her 20s, was isolated from friends and family and was prevented from attending work events.
Her husband regularly checked her phone, making threats if she did not answer his calls and texts immediately, controlling her social media, dictating what clothes she could wear and stopping her from wearing make-up.
READ MORE: Dylan Smithson: Slough man jailed for domestic abuse
Thames Valley Police released a statement from the victim.
She said: “The justice I received against my abuser proved that, as a victim, I could be strong.
“The police throughout were amazing however I did at times lose hope.
“The results exceeded any expectations which I had and I am so glad I followed it through to the end.
“I hope this case can show that domestic abuse does occur in LGBQT+ relationships but that also victims can be heard if they just have faith that our justice system can succeed in protecting us, and punishing abusers.
“I would like to help and support other domestic abuse victims, especially in the LGBQT+ society as domestic abuse is widely viewed as a heterosexual man against a woman.”
The court heard how he would threaten her with violence and threatened her with a knife on multiple occasions.
Smithson started using weapons and threats of violence escalated.
On Friday, October 28, Smithson was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison.
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