London (UK)- Former Conservative MP Kate Kniveton has bravely spoken out about a decade of abuse by her politician husband, Andrew Griffiths. In a new ITV documentary, “Breaking the Silence: Kate’s Story,” Kniveton revealed a terrifying incident where she believed she would die while being strangled by Griffiths.
‘Sexually assault me, rape me, even when I sleep’
Kate Kniveton described a horrifying campaign of violence. Griffiths, a former Tory MP and small business minister, would “erupt” without warning. She recounted a specific attack in their living room. “He just went for me,” she said, detailing how he knelt over her, his hands around her neck. Kniveton believed he wouldn’t let go, thinking only of her parents.
She also claimed Griffiths sexually assaulted her in her sleep and screamed at their baby. Furthermore, she stated he used his power and position to silence her during a legal battle following their split. “I’m the MP here. I’ve got a great relationship with the police,” she quoted him saying, “they all think I’m the blue-eyed boy.”
Kate Kniveton’s Struggle continued in the family courts
Kniveton’s struggle continued in the family courts. A 2021 ruling found Griffiths had, “on the balance of probabilities,” coerced her into sexual activity, raped her multiple times, and used “coercive and controlling behaviour.” This ruling initially allowed him direct contact with their child.
However, the High Court overturned this decision the following year. Kniveton’s lawyer argued the previous judge failed to consider the “short, medium, and long-term harm of contact on the mother and the child” and Griffiths’ “capacity to appreciate the effect of past domestic abuse.”
In early 2024, Griffiths sought weekly supervised contact. The High Court, however, ruled against direct contact in the “reasonably short term,” opting for contact through letters instead. Griffiths has accepted most findings against him, except the rape allegations.
What Kate Kniveton’s husband Tory MP Andrew Griffiths said
Andrew Griffiths told ITV Exposure he has “always denied the allegations.” He stated the family court has a “much lower burden of proof” and is private. Griffiths believes the court has “failed our child” and that “publication of salacious allegations can only harm the children.” He added, “Every child has the right to have both parents in their lives. I will never stop fighting to be a father to my child.”
UK MP Kate Kniveton to share her story. “I am traumatised,”
Most domestic abuse victims in family courts cannot reveal details of proceedings. However, in Kniveton’s unusual case, journalists fought to publish details, succeeding in the Court of Appeal. This allowed Kniveton to share her story. “I am traumatised,” she said, “not just by the ten years of abuse I experienced, but by the following five years in which he continued to use the legal system to abuse me.”
The documentary- ‘Breaking The Silence- Kate’s Story
The documentary highlighted that domestic abuse affects all demographics. Dr. Charlotte Proudman, Kate Kniveton’s barrister, noted the alarming frequency of unsupervised contact being granted to parents with domestic abuse convictions, even leading to child deaths.
Kate Kniveton met other high-achieving women who also experienced hidden abuse, discussing tactics like love-bombing and coercive control. A GP, Seema, explained the insidious nature of abuse. Laura, a high-ranking police officer, felt unable to confide in colleagues due to embarrassment.
Kate Kniveton spoke with Minister
Kate Kniveton also spoke with Jess Phillips MP, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls. Phillips emphasized the hidden nature of domestic abuse and the urgent need for reforms in the court system and support services.
The Ministry of Justice stated work is ongoing to ensure family courts are safe and highlighted a pilot project, Pathfinder, to improve outcomes in private law cases.
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