Mum who survived 15-year campaign of abuse says system failed her

This article contains details that some readers may find distressing

A woman whose partner subjected her to a 15-year campaign of domestic terror says she feels let down by those who should have kept her safe.

Danielle MacDonald’s estranged husband, David MacDonald, was convicted earlier this month of rape and attempted murder following years of physical abuse and coercive control.

The mum-of-three, from Edinburgh, believes police and social services missed repeated chances to stop him much earlier.

She even captured the terrifying moment he tried to force his way into her home.

The violence culminated on December 18, 2023, when MacDonald pulled Danielle onto a sofa, dropped a weight on her body and attempted to strangle her to death.

Danielle and David on their wedding day in 2010 Supplied

He was also found guilty of offences against children, including forcing a boy to eat from a dog bowl and holding a knife to his throat.

“He’s a disgusting beast – he doesn’t deserve a name, he’s just scum of the earth,” she told STV News.

“Not for what he did to me, but for what he’s done to children – I can protect myself, these are children.”

While she’s full of praise for the officer who ultimately brought the case to justice, Danielle feels let down by the police and Edinburgh social services.

She claims she went to the police after he sent someone else a video of him sexually assaulting her while she was asleep – but was told there was no evidence of criminality.

“The police came out and said it was a husband and wife dispute that they weren’t going to get involved in. Even though I had these videos, they made out I was a willing participant and wanted it filmed.”

The case comes as recorded domestic abuse in Scotland is rising – there were almost 65,000 reports in the past year, a rise of around 2%.

Women’s Rights Network director Mary Howden says reporting abuse can be a “hugely emotional and traumatic” experience for women.

“Women who are going through this are scared, frightened, constantly looking to see what people’s reaction is going to be. They’re worried about whether their lives will be upturned, worried about family and responsibilities.

“For women to get to the point where they want to go to the police, then to be told there’s no criminality there, where does that leave you? It puts you back into living in constant fear.”

Rape Crisis Scotland's external affairs officer Nicola Love — Rape Crisis Scotland’s external affairs officer Nicola Love STV News

Nicola Love, external affairs manager for Rape Crisis Scotland, says Danielle’s ordeal “exposes the fragility of the criminal justice system” for survivors.

“We support survivors, many of whom choose not to report what’s happened to them because they won’t be taken seriously or believed. In Danielle’s case, a video of her being raped was provided to the police, and they refused to see it for what it was.

“This has been a devastating set of circumstances for Danielle, who chose to report what happened to her and was essentially ignored.

“No survivor should be going to police with evidence like that and be told it’s not criminal, or that it’s an issue for a husband and wife to settle.

“If there’s one single point of failure, that’s one too many.”

Police Scotland said it works closely with a wide range of partner agencies to understand how we can better protect those affected by these despicable crimes, while Edinburgh Council told us it doesn’t comment on individual cases.

MacDonald will be sentenced next month.

For Danielle, it’s a step towards closure.

“For years, I was disbelieved, called a liar, dismissed and tossed to the side. Hopefully, justice will be served, and he’ll get what he deserves for all of this.

“I want to tell others going through this to be brave enough to keep fighting. One day, someone will believe you.

“I’m not scared. I’m not ashamed. It shouldn’t be me hiding my head away because I was made out to be something I wasn’t. I’ve got a voice.”

The Samaritans can be contacted any time, from any phone, free on 116 123. You can also speak to Victim Support Scotland on 0800 160 1985, who offer free and tailored support. In an emergency, always dial 999 if within the United Kingdom.