Domestic abuse victims ‘must speak up’ says former wife of Pearse McAuley

A woman who was beaten, stabbed and falsely imprisoned in the family home by her then husband has pleaded with other victims of domestic abuse to stand up for themselves.

“Domestic violence is totally wrong, no matter who or where or when it’s perpetrated, and I’d just encourage anyone who’s a victim of domestic violence to do something about it, look for support, and stand up for themselves,” said Pauline Tully.

The mother-of-two was speaking outside Cavan Circuit Criminal Court yesterday after her former husband, Garda killer Pearse McAuley, was jailed for an attack on his then wife, during which she was stabbed 13 times in front of their children.