'You can break the cycle': Leeds detective's message to domestic abuse victims as man jailed for murder
‘Contact the police, speak to your family members, your friends, a confidante’
A detective inspector in Leeds has urged victims of domestic abuse to speak out on the day a man was jailed for the murder of his partner.
Jack Johns, of School Street, Tingley, was today sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 29 years for the murder of his partner Malgorzata Wiktor, known as Gosia.
Gosia, a loving mum, died after suffering significant injuries to her head and face and a stab wound to her chest, while Johns was found lying unconscious on top of her, having taken an overdose of medication combined with alcohol.
Speaking ahead of today’s sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Hannah Dixon, encouraged all potential victims of domestic abuse to speak out.
“It’s so important to break that cycle of abuse as early as possible,” Det Insp Dixon told the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“We understand how hard it is. If you are in that situation, you can feel as though you don’t have a get out, but you can break the cycle.
“My message [to anyone potentially at risk] is contact the police, speak to your family members, your friends, a confidante. Speak to us, request a Clare’s Law, and with that information you could potentially save your own life.”
Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS), is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse.
The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in 2009. It was formally rolled out across England and Wales in 2014, following a landmark campaign led by Clare’s father Michael Brown.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity or background. It is not limited to physical violence and can include emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse, as well as controlling or coercive behaviour.
On average, West Yorkshire Police say they receive more than 1,000 domestic abuse-related calls every week, while an estimated one in five adults are said to experience domestic abuse during their lifetime.
The force has dedicated domestic abuse and safeguarding teams stationed across its districts, alongside specialist training for officers, and Det Insp Dixon insisted that while some cases are difficult to prove, those who come forward will always be supported.
Det Insp Dixon added: “There are always challenges when investigating domestic abuse cases; people are scared to come forward and sometimes they’re fearing for their own lives.
“However, here at West Yorkshire Police we are given the tools to be able to investigate those crimes as we should. Victims are always supported and we are here to tackle perpetrators.
“We will welcome the sentence imposed upon Jack Johns, but ultimately at the heart of this case is a female who has tragically lost her life - a mother and a sister.”
Police enquiries established that the couple had been in a relationship for around six months, which had moved quickly to them getting engaged. Johns was described in court as behaving in a controlling way toward Gosia and “love bombing” her.
The court was also told that Johns had previous convictions related to the domestic abuse of two previous partners in the aftermath of the relationships ending, followed by attempts to kill himself.
Anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or worried about someone they know, can contact the Leeds Domestic Violence Service’s 24-hour helpline on 0113 246 0401 or email [email protected]. In an emergency, call 999. If you cannot speak safely when calling from a mobile phone, press 55 when prompted to be connected to the police.