THE phrase “I am to be blamed for the violence” is echoed by every woman who appears in court, says High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar.
Justice Goundar told this to a woman who was allegedly assaulted by her de facto partner.
During a court hearing in the High Court in Suva last Friday, the woman informed the court that she had provoked her partner and she blamed herself for the alleged assault.
Her partner is charged with one count of assault causing actual bodily harm.
He allegedly punched and kicked her and as a result she was rushed to the hospital to be medically examined.
Her medical report showed that she had sustained bruises on her head and neck.
The High Court judge then questioned the woman on whether her partner beats her up every time he loses his temper.
The woman said her partner was a short-tempered man and it was the first time she was assaulted.
The man has been released on bail but has been ordered to reside with his mother in Viria, Naitasiri, while on bail.
His case has been adjourned to March 1.
