Man Faces 17 Domestic Violence Charges, Threatens Suicide

0:00It's March 14th in Sydney, let's get into the news. A 28-year-old man from Port McCory faces 17 domestic violence charges after allegedly assaulting his partner over several years. Blake Horton is accused of choking her until she passed out, throwing her into fences and trees, punching and kicking her repeatedly, and smashing her, phone and car parts during fights. He's been in custody since his arrest last May. The violence reportedly escalated from arguments over texts from other men or her extra work shifts. Horton allegedly refused to take her to the hospital when she struggled to breathe and chase her when she tried to flee, leaving her injured. He also threatened suicide multiple times if she left him or went to police. Experts say these self-harm threats are a common way abusers maintain control, affecting nearly four in ten, coercive control victims according to A. In recent study, it manipulates survivors into feeling responsible and shifts focus from the violence itself. Domestic violence advocates call it a complex tactic that erodes a person's sense of reality.

1:04In court, prosecutors successfully argue to keep Horton detained, citing risks to his partner and his past failed appearances, plus a prior conviction. Against her, his lawyer pushed for bail, but it was denied, and the case heads to a higher court for its severity. Meanwhile, about 27 percent of Australian women have faced physical or sexual violence from partners. A national inquiry into links between domestic abuse and suicide is underway, pushing for better early intervention, offerention, integrated risk checks, and support across health and justice systems. The Daily News Now is powered by our sponsor, Link in the Description, a pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly, built for nighttime listening, S-O-L-I-SoliPillow.com.