The blame game : she made me maim and kill her.

No responsibility and no remorse typify the attitude of some types of offenders towards domestic violence.

21 July 2009, AUCKLAND: There is no doubt that the behaviour of those who perpetrate violence against others follows a pattern that is sadly repeated in the homes and lives of many thousands of New Zealanders, every day.

No-one deserves to be treated in this way. No-one has the right to excuse their violent behaviour by blaming the actions of another.

Jill Proudfoot, Client Services Director of shine* says “I am utterly sick of hearing the self indulgent way Weatherston sought justification for his terrifying, murderous behaviour by conveniently ‘re-writing history.’

"We frequently see this type of behaviour in the work that we do. In this case there had been many clear warning signs: previous violence and controlling behaviour; the relationship was ending therefore Sophie was more vulnerable; Weatherston blamed her for everything; he was jealous of her previous partners; he had tried to strangle her; he didn’t take responsibility for his actions; he believed his murderous actions were justified because of Sophie's words and actions.”

Our key message is that domestic violence murders are preventable. We all need to know the warning signs and be prepared to act when we think someone may be in danger. The friends and family of victims of domestic violence often don't always realise the seriousness of what they are seeing or being told.

Is there a ‘type’ of offender?
Offenders are often men who don’t ‘look the type’, those who may be well educated and in positions of authority use this public misconception of ‘appearance’ to their advantage. They re-write events and twist every word or scenario to suit their own purposes, targeting, controlling and manipulating victims by minimising their (the perpetrators) own actions, denying responsibility for the harm they have caused and ultimately blaming the victim for the abuse they are suffering.

Jill Proudfoot remarks “There was nothing random about Weatherston’s vicious attack on Sophie. His attack on her body was precise. He was completely in control of himself and was making choices every step of the way. He knew what he was doing was wrong. Weatherston wanted the last word and he was going to ensure that he got it.”

Aaron Steedman, Coordinator of the shine* No Excuses - Men’s Stopping Violence programme, says that “men who attend the programme often do not display obvious signs of violent behaviours. They can appear calm, controlled and nondescript in public however are capable of striking out at their partners in private, without warning, in verbally and physically abusive ways.”

Jill Proudfoot comments “We totally support the verdict of murder and congratulate the Jurors for the courage they demonstrated in withstanding the pressure brought to bear by the Defence. We trust there will be a substantial sentence for the offender. The ordeal for the family and friends of Sophie does not end with this verdict. They have lost a much loved daughter and our thoughts are with them today.”

ENDS

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