A husband has spoken out about his ordeal after his wife stabbed him last Christmas. Stuart Simpson hopes that by telling his story he will encourage more men to speak up about domestic violence.
Stuart's wife, Sonia, stabbed him in the back at their home in Great Yarmouth causing his lung to collapse because he was taking too long to do some Christmas shopping.
He says that following the attack, in which his wife stabbed him four times, he 'lost all confidence' but hopes that by speaking out he can help others.
Sonia was jailed for 14 years after she was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, as well as perverting the course of justice in July.
Mr Simpson said: "It's sad that men feel they can't get help. It's such a taboo subject that it's difficult for us to speak out about it.
"When I was with Sonia, I felt like her behaviour was my fault and I'd caused it.
"Now, I've realised that there was nothing I could have done, and I want other men to realise there's nothing to be ashamed of."
Mr Simpson split with his wife last October, but the pair remained friendly ad Stuart invited Sonia to spend Christmas with him and his friend Stacey.
However, when he went to do some Christmas shopping, he returned to find that Sonia had flown into a rage.
He explained: "I went into town while Sonia had some drinks with Stacey at home.
"But it took me longer than anticipated due to the rush of last-minute shoppers.
"By the time I arrived home five hours later, Sonia was raging.
"She asked Stacey if she thought I was an idiot and, when Stacey disagreed, Sonia lunged at her and punched her in the face.
"I grabbed Stacey and pushed her out of the room - protecting her from Sonia. But, as I shut the living door, I felt a sharp sensation in my back.
"Moments later, I realised that Sonia had stabbed me so hard with a kitchen knife that the handle had snapped off."
He was rushed to hospital where he spent the entirety of Christmas last year. After his wife was jailed last year, he now wants to speak up for men who suffer domestic abuse.
Mr Simpson continued: "I do think that women get away with domestic violence more than men.
"Unfortunately, there's a stigma against men talking about their emotions so until we crack this, I think men will always struggle with this."
Featured Image Credit: HotSpot MediaTopics: Christmas, UK News, Domestic violence, UK