Man Suffers Horrific Burns After Domestic Abuse

A man suffered horrific first and second degree burns to 14% of his body after his then wife poured a kettle of boiling water over the back of his head.

Ken Gregory, 65, met his now ex-wife, Teresa Gilbertson, 60, seven years ago following the death of his first wife of 30 years. On the anniversary of her death, instead of fulfilling plans to visit her grave, Mr Gregory and Ms Gilbertson had an argument which resulted in the couple agreeing to divorce.

After the argument, Ms Gilbertson went to make a cup of tea but instead returned with a kettle of boiling water which she poured over her husband's head.

Mr Gregory, speaking to the BBC, said:

"It was unbearable, searing pain. I'd never known anything like it.

"As a man who is a bit older and who isn't exactly small, there is a perception that you can't be a victim of domestic violence."

He added: "I had never imagined something like this would happen to me."

Statistics produced by the ManKind Initiative, which campaigns for male abuse victims, highlighted that 38% of domestic abuse victims are male. Additionally, male victims are nearly two times more likely to keep the abuse to themselves compared with female victims, with only 10% of male victims seeking help from the police or a health professional.

If you have been a victim of domestic abuse in your marriage, contact our family solicitors on 01204 526 465 for advice.

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