Trapped in an abusive relationship ‘I COULDN’T LEAVE MY PETS BEHIND!’
Sunlight floods through the windows of the colourful, eco-friendly West Auckland home Jessica Rose and her husband have built from scratch over the past few years. A black cat scampers happily up the mezzanine to its favourite sunbathing spot, while a trio of chickens happily mill about in the garden.
Looking at the friendly 41-year-old public servant, dressed in chic vintage fashions and proffering a plate of freshly baked biscuits, it’s hard to imagine that this woman was once so terrified to leave her emotionally abusive partner that it took her four attempts to pull off a secret, carefully orchestrated escape.
“Jean was a huge part of the reason it took me so long to leave,” recalls Jess, shuddering at the memory. But Jean wasn’t
