Domestic abuse survivor waives anonymity to urge other women to speak out

A 28-YEAR-old doctor has spoken publicly for the first time about the terrifying domestic abuse she endured at the hands of an Omagh man - as she urges other victims to break their silence and seek justice.

Dr Iwona Giza, a qualified medical doctor, has waived her right to anonymity to tell her story and encourage other women to come forward, as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month draws to a close.

Her abuser, 41-year-old Barry Maguire from Omagh, was sentenced at Dungannon Crown Court on Thursday, October 23, to five years - half to be served in custody and the remainder on licence - for a series of domestic abuse offences, including five counts of non-fatal strangulation.

Each count carried a five-year sentence, all to run concurrently.

The horrific abuse came to light last November when quick-thinking neighbours intervened after hearing a violent altercation at the property.

On November 30, 2023, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) received a third-party report from a neighbour who raised the alarm.

When they arrived, they found Iwona crawling on her hands and knees, desperately trying to escape the house - battered, breathless and terrified.

Police later discovered she had endured weeks of sustained physical and psychological violence, with bruises in various stages of healing. Investigators found that Maguire repeatedly pinned her to the ground, covering her mouth and nose until she couldn’t breathe.

During these attacks, he would spit at her, hurl abuse, and force her to eat food off the floor while filming her humiliation.

“The physical abuse I experienced was very traumatic, psychologically damaging and long lasting,” Iwona said.

“To this day, when I feel anxious, I can feel that same breathlessness - like every time he choked me and I was unable to breathe.”

“His degrading actions caused me to lose confidence in myself. It has taken me considerable time to get control over my life again and to realise that I did not deserve the treatment he subjected me to.”

“How many people are subjected to cruelty and abuse behind closed doors in Northern Ireland? I am choosing to speak out and share my experiences so that more victims feel confident enough to break their silence.”

Dr. Giza said that when she finally came forward, police treated her with compassion and dignity.

“When I reported to the police, I was met with kindness, compassion and support. I have a long way to go in my journey of recovery, but taking those first steps and getting the justice I deserve has changed my life for the better.”

The PSNI says that last year alone, 32,763 domestic abuse incidents were recorded in Northern Ireland - nearly 20,000 of them crimes. On average, a domestic abuse incident is reported every 16 minutes, and police make around 84 arrests each month under the domestic abuse offence.

Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan praised Iwona’s bravery and condemned Maguire’s violent behaviour.

“Maguire is a very violent and emotionally abusive man, and I commend the victim’s courage in coming forward to bring an end to the cycle of abuse and to fight for justice,” she said.

“Domestic abuse can happen to anyone - it is too prevalent in our society. Behind each statistic is a person whose life has been changed by abuse.”

“If you or someone you know is being subjected to coercive or controlling behaviour or any form of violence, please report it to the PSNI or the 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline on 0808 802 1414. Alongside other agencies, we will support you throughout the criminal justice process and treat you with the utmost dignity and respect.”

For Iwona, her decision to go public is about breaking the stigma - and breaking the silence.

“Speaking out has helped me take back control of my life,” she said. “If my story gives even one woman the courage to reach out for help, then it’s been worth it.”