A woman has bravely spoken out about the domestic abuse she endured for more than two years, describing it as 'something you would see in a horror film'. The victim, in her 20s, suffered at the hands of Shezad Zaman, 37, from Baldwins Lane, Hall Green. She detailed appalling treatment, including being strangled to the point she thought she would die and having her car put into a ditch to prevent her escape.
Controlling behaviour
Zaman controlled every aspect of her life, stopping her from having friends and demanding she keep her phone location on at all times. The victim said: 'I was not allowed to have any friends. He ended all my friendships due to control and jealousy.' She sustained serious injuries, including bruising, a broken nose and a perforated eardrum during the abuse. The woman said: 'I was strangled to the point I accepted I was going to die at the hands of somebody who was supposed to be my protector.'
Court outcome
Zaman was convicted of assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentional strangulation and stalking causing alarm or distress. He was handed a two-year suspended sentence at Birmingham Crown Court on June 5. The victim has now shared her story to encourage other domestic abuse survivors to come forward. She added: 'What I went through has left lasting scars; emotionally, mentally and physically that I will live with every day for the rest of my life.'
Police appeal
West Midlands Police urged anyone in immediate danger to call 999 or report via the non-emergency number 101. The force continues to support victims of domestic abuse and encourages them to seek help.
