A 32-year-old woman and mother of two suffered severe 2nd and 3rd degree burns after her ex-husband poured hot oil over her while she was sleeping. Now in a burn unit in a New Jersey hospital, the woman suffers from the physical pain of her injuries and the emotional trauma of this episode of domestic violence.
She had allowed her ex-husband to move back into her apartment with her as a temporary measure to help him financially until he found a job. Allegedly, he became angry after she refused his sexual advances, which prompted the attack. After the searing oil woke her up, the woman fell to her knees. At this point, she claims her ex-husband began to beat her on the side of the head with the pot.
She says she feels looks “like a monster” and cannot relax because she is afraid her ex-husband will come after her again. Police are still searching for the ex-husband who is wanted on a charge of aggravated assault.
While this case is extreme, both men and women suffer, often in silence, from domestic violence that not only leaves scars on their bodies but also in their psyches as well. Sometimes, the emotional damage can be more more severe and last longer than the physical abuse. While anyone who is subjected to domestic violence should notify friends, family and the proper authorities, a lawyer may also be able to help by securing a restraining order against a victim’s abuser.
Source: Eyewitness News WABC-TV New York, “Exclusive: Victim in hot oil attack speaks to eyewitness news,” Jim Hopper, April 12, 2013
