"It became a question of 'when' he might kill me, rather than 'if' he would kill me."

*Please note that this release contains potentially distressing descriptions of domestic abuse.

These are the words of a brave woman, who after years of countless assaults at the hands of her ex-partner, managed to find a way to break free.

Completely destroying her self-confidence and self-worth, Haroun Berghout, known as Yas, would behave like a monster - punching, strangling, kicking and controlling her every move - then convince her that the abuse endured was her own fault. "The mental and physical effects started to take over my life. I lost hair, I lost weight and had bruises and scratches all over my body. Sleep no longer existed; just nightmares as I'd relive the torture."

With friends and family desperately concerned for her safety, they contacted police and encouraged her to support the investigation led by our Domestic Abuse Team.

After initially denying accountability, Haroun Yasin Mohammed Berghout, 27 (DOB: 12/11/1997) from Richmond,  eventually pleaded guilty to Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Intentional Strangulation, Criminal Damage and three counts of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm and was sentenced to 3 years and 4 months' imprisonment at Guildford Crown Court on 6 February 2025. He was also given a 10-year restraining order against her and her family.

"For those who have never experienced domestic abuse, leaving is so much harder than it may seem. Daily, I live with the guilt that I wasn't able to leave sooner as I wasn't the only one affected by his actions - my family and friends were threatened by him, having to watch me suffer while feeling their own fear knowing just how dangerous Yas could be.

"I'm grateful to everyone around me that encouraged me to this point and have endlessly supported me. It was extremely daunting, but Surrey Police and the investigating officer were brilliant and I now stand here, not just for me, but for all those who have been affected by domestic abuse and would encourage other victims to seek help too. Abuse is not 'your fault'. It's not 'normal'. And you don't 'deserve it'.

PC Christopher Finucane, who investigated the case, said: “Initially reported as a single isolated incident, the investigation uncovered years of violent abuse. The fact that Berghout is behind bars is down to the bravery of the victim who secretly recorded evidence of the abuse, resulting in more than 100 evidential exhibits proving three years of repeat offending. And to the courage of witnesses who stood up to her abuser and provided statements to police. This overwhelming evidence ultimately led to guilty pleas on all charges.

"We urge anyone who may be the victim of domestic abuse to come forward. You will be believed and you will be supported. If you aren’t ready to speak to us, reach out to one of our brilliant Surrey-based charities who can offer sanctuary and practical, as well as emotional, support.”

There is a range of information on our website, including:

• The signs of domestic abuse
• How to report domestic abuse and what will happen after your report
• Where to find details of support organisations