‘Get out while you can’ - Domestic abuse victim speaks out after partner tried to drown her in the bath
A domestic abuse survivor has spoken out after her former partner was jailed for more than seven years - urging anyone in her position to ‘get out while you can’.
Toyah Shentall, who has waived her right to anonymity, was subjected to a horrific campaign of abuse by her ex-partner Mackenzie Anthony.
She has shared her story of courage and resilience and said her life is "a million times better" after reporting Anthony to the police.
South Yorkshire Police said what started off as “slapping and booting” her escalated into Toyah being beaten everyday.
The 20-year-old was punched, kicked, bitten and spat at in her own home by Anthony, 21.
Toyah said Anthony did "anything he could to hurt me", as she was covered "head to toe in bruises" and left feeling degraded and frightened to leave him.
Anthony even attacked her dog when it bravely tried to intervene when he was attacking her, before trying to drown her in the bath.
Toyah’s best friend, who is now her partner, intervened and with the encouragement of her partner's mother-in-law she reported it to police.
"I felt like I was all on my own and I felt so much better after I rung the police," Toyah said.
"When I heard he'd been arrested and was in custody it was such a relief. I felt so much safer and there was further relief when he admitted what he'd done to me.
"If you're a woman and you're alone then I would urge you to ring the police - that is what they are there for."
She was provided alternative accommodation and supported by police and Doncaster’s Independent Domestic Violence Advisory service.
"My life is a million times better now and I've realised now the importance of having good people around you who really matter to you," Toyah added.
"My message to anyone going through this is to please, get out while you can and report it - don't let the little things slip by and turn into big things, because it will happen."
Anthony, of he Homestead, Bentley, being jailed for seven years and one month after pleading guilty to intentional suffocation, causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal and engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour, as well as separate drug dealing offences.
Detective Inspector Dave Whitehouse, who works within Doncaster's Protecting Vulnerable People team, said:
"Toyah's decision to share her story is one of incredible bravery, and I know she wants to do it to try and prevent other women from going through what she went through.
"Anthony's campaign of abuse against Toyah was violent and calculated. He predominantly attacked Toyah's body meaning that clothes covered many of her bruises and his relentless assaults and abuse crippled her mental health.
"However, she showed courage and resolve to report the information to police, leading to Anthony's arrest and an offer of robust wraparound support provided by ourselves and key partners to ensure Toyah and her family's safety.
"It is never your fault if you are being abused and we want to assure you that we will follow up every single report that is made to us.
“If you are worried about someone you know, you can report to us and we will always look into it, even if the victim feels unable to support an investigation.
"Please know that you are never alone - we are always here to help and you will always be listened to, supported and protected."
The police also shared details of who to contact in the South Yorkshire area should you be affected by this story:
- DRASACS (Doncaster Rape and Sexual Abuse Counselling Service) – provides an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy) Service.
- Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub - Domestic abuse support service provided by Doncaster City Council. The Hub provides access to Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs). You can call them on 01302 737080, email [email protected] complete an online self-referral form.
- Phoenix Women’s Aid – Charity providing aid for women, men and children in Doncaster. Call them on 07932 069 153 or email [email protected].
- Women’s Aid - a national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children by providing life-saving local services, running helplines, offering training for professionals, campaigning for policy change, and supporting survivors with resources and online communities.
- Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) - Specialist charity supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence in Barnsley, Sheffield and North Yorkshire.
- Inspire to Change - Programme in South Yorkshire designed to help men and women manage abusive behaviour to prevent harm to their partners, family and children.