The first part of this article focused on the story of Annie Yates and her abuse at the hands of her husband Thomas. This kind of story arises time and again in the court records and newspapers and these historic cases often involve elements which are common to current-day abusive situations; for example, alcohol, jealousy and financial control.1 The records frequently show a cycle of abuse where the perpetrator shows remorse and affection towards the victim, or tries to rationalise their actions, but eventually ends up repeating the violence.
The women who were victims in these cases relied upon their abusive partner for financial stability, particularly if they had children. If the partner was sent to prison or fined too heavily, it would impact on the family as a whole. At that time, it would have been immensely difficult for them to leave the situation and live independently, especially given the social attitudes towards marriage and the duties of a wife.
Changing attitudes
While some experiences might be familiar from across the span of time, there has also been a great deal of change. In particular, attitudes towards domestic abuse and the people involved (survivors and abusers) have changed dramatically for the better. When we look at records like this court order book from 1684, we can see how far times have moved forwards.2 It was ordered by the court that:
Sarah the wife of George Watson of Willoughby in this county do forthwith go to her husband to Willoughby aforesaid and continue with him, and behave herself as she ought to do towards him; and it is further ordered that the said George Watson do receive his said wife and live quietly with her…
It is clear that the couple were not in a happy situation together and we cannot know if Sara (or perhaps George) was subject to domestic abuse (not a crime a 17th century court would have recognised). But it would have been no easy feat to leave and stay away from the marital home in the 17th century, and so something compelled Sara to go. That George and Sara were ordered to ‘live quietly’ may be an example of the legal jargon of the day, on a par with the phrase ‘will not fail’, but equally could be suggestive of a relationship known to be turbulent. It is the woman who is ordered to ‘behave herself as she ought to do towards him’ (though we don’t know if she did).
Thankfully, there is now an increased awareness of the types of abuse, more resources available for people in abusive situations, and an understanding that the victim is never to blame.3 In the 21st century, with the right support, people can change their circumstances, not be tied to them. With greater social and work equality women can support themselves and their families. And with organisations such as Refuge, Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse, and the Domestic Abuse Counselling Service, victims of abuse of all genders can find help, protection and shelter.
Numbers for support
24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (run in partnership between Refuge and Women’s Aid)
Warwickshire Against Domestic Abuse: 0800 408 1552
Domestic Abuse Counselling Service: 024 7635 1137 or 024 7632 7647
1 For example, in 1862, shopkeeper Timothy Hancox of Wolston was charged with assaulting his wife Mary. She ‘had no wish to prosecute, as prisoner was an excellent husband when sober, and committed the assault complained of when drunk.’ He was cautioned and dismissed. [WCRO, reference QS 26/2/bundle 06, case 16; Rugby Advertiser, 6th Dec 1862] Six years later, he appears in court again, having been seen ‘in front of his house flourishing a knife… soon after he began to beat his wife very badly… there was a feeling of jealousy between defendant and his wife; he was drunk. Witness said defendant had… expressed sorrow for his conduct’. He was fined and dismissed. [Leamington Spa Courier, 9th May 1868] Twenty years later, he attempted to throttle a woman who rushed to the defence of his wife. [Rugby Advertiser, 3rd Nov 1888] The Hancox’s stayed together until Timothy’s death in 1899, aged 83.
In 1851, Henry Hobbis was charged for assaulting his wife and children; ‘the wife and little girl had their heads bandaged, and the little boy his arm in a sling.’ Again, the wife did not wish to press charges, as ‘he never assaulted her unless he had had some beer’. [Leamington Spa Courier, 6th Dec 1851]
In 1894, Benjamin Barr stabbed his wife with a table fork and threatened her with a knife. She said that she would ‘go home to her father and take the children with her’. He replied that if she took away the children she would ‘have the knife’. Again, she did not want to press charges as ‘she did not want her husband to go to gaol’. Benjamin ‘had been a teetotaller, but ‘broke out’ on this particular day.’ [Leamington Spa Courier, 28th July 1894]
2 Warwickshire County Record Office reference QS40/6, Order Book, Sarah Watson and husband, 1684.
3 Including physical abuse, domestic abuse, sexual abuse, psychological and emotional abuse, financial and material abuse, discriminatory abuse, organisational abuse, and neglect – see the Warwickshire County Council page for safeguarding adults for more information.
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