A WOMAN who suffered years of abuse from her violent partner has called on victims of domestic violence to make a stand.

Susan Wallis heard last week that the man who subjected her vicious assaults, Kevin Woodhouse, now faces five years behind bars.

And she has spoken publicly to reassure women who live in fear of their violent partners that justice can be done.

Susan was left so badly injured following one assault that her own sister could only recognise her by the sound of her voice. But once the police were alerted she says she felt in safe hands.

This week, despite some disappointment at Woodhouse's sentence, Susan praised the hard work of local officers and encouraged other women suffering domestic violence to come forward.

"I thought I was going to die that day," she said: "I thought that was it. I'm just glad I made the complaint, because the police did an excellent job. They do help, and they support you before, during and after the court case."

"I'd like to thank Janet Boulton, Gill Lolande and Jo Edwards from the police for their help. I'd also like to thank Ken West and the paramedics for their help. I'm so sorry it had to be him who picked me up.

"I also want to thank the barrister and the jury, though I was disappointed by the sentence. I was shocked when my sister told me he had only been given five years. I'd been expecting a sentence of at least eight to 10 years."

DC Janet Boulton of Lancaster CID added: "Susan made her complaint with a great deal of courage. In my ten years as a police officer I have never seen injuries as serious as those Susan suffered.

"We want to ensure that any other woman who finds herself in the same situation as Susan knows that the system does work.

"There is a dedicated domestic violence unit at Lancaster police station, which covers the whole area."

Anyone suffering from domestic violence can contact Lancaster police on 01524 63333.