As Domestic Abuse Awareness Month draws to a close, a victim of sustained domestic violence, Dr Iwona Giza, has chosen to speak out after her 41-year-old abuser, Barry Maguire, was recently sentenced.

The doctor hopes that by waiving her anonymity and sharing her story, she can inspire other individuals caught in the cycle of abuse to seek help.

Maguire, from Omagh, was sentenced on Thursday, 23 October 2025, at Dungannon Crown Court to five years in prison for domestic abuse offences. He received a five-year sentence for each of the five counts of non-fatal strangulation he committed against Iwona, all to be served concurrently, meaning he will spend half the time in custody and the remainder on licence.

The severity of the abuse was first reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on Thursday, 30 November 2023, after a neighbour heard an altercation. The neighbour, along with another resident, discovered the victim outside the property, clearly distressed and needing assistance, having just been assaulted.

Police later established that Iwona had suffered sustained violence for several weeks, with bruising across her body in various stages of healing. The abuse included repeated incidents of non-fatal strangulation where Maguire would pin her to the ground, holding his hand over her mouth and nose, leaving her unable to breathe.

Iwona described the severe and lasting psychological impact of the abuse. "The physical abuse I experienced was very traumatic, psychologically damaging and long lasting. To this day when I feel anxious I can feel that breathlessness like every time he choked me and I was unable to breathe," she revealed.

Maguire also subjected her to controlling and cruel acts, including demoralising her by filming her as he forced her to eat food off the floor, and he would often threaten, verbally abuse, and spit at her during the strangulation incidents.

Iwona's decision to speak out comes as police statistics reveal that the scale of the problem in Northern Ireland remains significant. Last year, the PSNI recorded 32,763 domestic abuse incidents and nearly 20,000 domestic abuse crimes, equating to a reported incident, on average, every 16 minutes. The police are currently making an average of 84 arrests each month for the domestic abuse offence.

Iwona said her recovery began when she contacted the authorities.

"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."

Detective Superintendent Kerry Brennan commended the victim's courage.

"Maguire is a very violent and emotionally abusive man and I commend the victim’s bravery in coming forward to bring an end to the cycle of abuse and for fighting for justice. 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 Violence helpline 0808 802 1414."