November 30th 2024.
As we scroll through our news feeds and social media, we often come across shocking headlines that leave us feeling saddened and disturbed. The latest one that caught our attention was of a married man who took his pregnant girlfriend into the woods and ended her life. It's a chilling and tragic story that has left many of us wondering why such a heinous act took place.
The CCTV footage of the incident is enough to send shivers down your spine. It shows Filmon Andmichaen, a 31-year-old man, parking his car on the side of the road in Ladywood, Birmingham. Andmichaen and his girlfriend, Liwam Bereket, then proceed to walk towards the nearby wooded area. Little did anyone know that this would be the last time Ms. Bereket, who was 27 weeks pregnant, would be seen alive.
Around 15 minutes later, the video shows Andmichaen returning to his car alone and driving off. It was later revealed that he had killed Ms. Bereket and their unborn child. The loss of their daughter and sister has shattered Ms. Bereket's family in ways that are beyond words. They described her as a beautiful soul, full of life, laughter, and love. She was kind-hearted and compassionate, bringing joy to everyone around her.
Sadly, Ms. Bereket's story is not an isolated incident. On average, one woman a week is killed by a partner or ex-partner. Shockingly, in 241 out of 249 cases of female domestic homicide between March 2020 and March 2022, the suspect was male. These statistics are alarming and highlight the urgent need for action to prevent such tragedies from happening.
Ms. Bereket's family is forever changed and haunted by the nagging question of why this happened. They have spent each day trying to find answers, but nothing can bring their beloved daughter and sister back. Ms. Bereket's friends had already expressed concerns about Andmichaen's aggressive and abusive behavior. A neighbor had even witnessed him punching Ms. Bereket in the face months before the incident.
Two hours after driving off, Andmichaen called the police and confessed to stabbing Ms. Bereket, claiming it was an accident. However, the evidence and CCTV footage told a different story. Andmichaen was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his heinous crime.
Unfortunately, domestic abuse and violence against women are prevalent and can even escalate during pregnancy. According to the NHS, pregnancy can trigger domestic abuse, and existing abuse may worsen during this time. In 2018, Safe Lives found that 30% of domestic abuse starts during pregnancy, and about 20% of women in Refuge's services are pregnant or have recently given birth.
It's crucial to address and prevent domestic abuse and violence against women. In 2001, it was recommended that pregnant women should be routinely asked about domestic violence during appointments. It's a step towards identifying and helping those in need.
When Ms. Bereket fell pregnant, Andmichaen demanded that she have an abortion, but she refused. On August 1, 2023, when she was six months pregnant and looking forward to becoming a mother, Andmichaen took matters into his own hands. After stabbing her, he returned home and confessed to his brother before eventually calling the police. He claimed it was an accident, but the evidence proved otherwise.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, know that you are not alone. There are options available, whether you are currently coping with or have decided to leave. Domestic abuse charity Refuge suggests starting a record of abusive incidents and making copies of important documents in case you decide to leave. It's also essential to identify safe areas in your home and make a plan for a safe and reliable route out if needed.
In an emergency, call 999 and ask for the police. If you are unable to speak, try using the Silent Solution, where you are prompted to press 55 to let the operator know it's an emergency. There are also local refuges available, and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is open 24/7 and has all the details of refuges in your area.
In the days following the murder, witnesses came forward to share that they had previously seen Andmichaen assaulting Ms. Bereket in the street. The judge had no doubt that Andmichaen intended to end Ms. Bereket's life and that of her unborn daughter. After sentencing, the detective chief inspector expressed his team's determination to get justice for Ms. Bereket and her family.
Violence against women and girls is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. It's a priority for law enforcement and other agencies to work together to ensure everyone feels safe in their community. Let's continue to raise awareness and take action to prevent tragedies like this from happening.
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