In 2011 Catherine Smith, an Australian mother of six, saw her former husband jailed on 17 charges. Among the charges were three for attempted murder, and many others for assault, sex without consent and detaining with intent to obtain advantage. It had taken her 30 years of appeals and petitions to the authorities, during which she and her family suffered repeated brutality. Smith was herself tried during this time (and acquitted) for attempted murder. Her case highlights the barriers that … [Read more...]