Kristin Dunne-Powell's victim impact statement read to Auckland District Court after her former partner, broadcaster Tony Veitch, admitted injuring her with reckless disregard.
I had been in an on-and-off relationship with Tony between 2002 and 2006.
My physical injuries included bruising and a fracture of my spine in two places.
I experienced intense pain at the time of the assault and endured extreme discomfort for months afterwards. It was necessary to
use a wheelchair and crutches for several weeks, so I could manage the discomfort and remain somewhat mobile.
The damage to my back has resulted in muscle atrophy and loss that has caused a physical disfigurement. The disfigurement was so apparent that when I got married in 2007 it was necessary for my dressmaker to pad out my dress.
The muscle loss also resulted in nerve damage which has affected my central nervous system, my balance and co-ordination. I have since undergone extension physiotherapy and this is going on today. I have been unable to return to my favourite sports.
Being unable to exercise due to my injuries and not being able to continue working has contributed to me becoming depressed.
As a direct result of my injuries, and the way in which they occurred, this led to me being diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
The injury caused me to stand down from my career in order to concentrate on rehabilitation, because of the physical and psychological consequences of the assault.
I was highly motivated to regain my health. My rehabilitation included regular physio, acupuncture, personal training and counselling, largely at my own expense, other than for physio and counselling, I made no claim to ACC.
Tony has reimbursed me for the substantial financial losses which I incurred at this time, which is set out in CL documents dated December 22, 2007.
The events of 29 Jan 2006 and thereafter are particularly traumatic for me. In March 2006, I was hospitalised after a nervous system breakdown and I was diagnosed with PSTD. I've become particularly anxious with dealing with discussion about Tony and what he did. I've undertaken counselling to help me cope.
As recently as a few weeks ago, I was diagnosed with PSTD symptoms. I have recurring distressing recollections of what happened, and have thoughts and recurrent dreams in which I relive the experience.
I get intensely distressed when exposed to situations or things that symbolise or resemble an aspect of what happened to me.
Tony made me feel to blame, helpless, isolated, threatened and ashamed. I felt at the time my life was at risk. I have worked incredibly hard to heal emotionally, and have made huge improvements until July 2008.
My family and I have been harassed and hunted by some journalists. On a weekly basis my private and personal life has been turned upside down. I have experienced an enormous amount of stress due to relentless media and public interest in what happened and this caused my family and I anguish.
At times it felt there has been no end to the spreading of malicious lies, rumour and falsehoods.
These falsehoods have caused me reputational damage and have often times humiliated me.
This situation has made it difficult for me to regain employment. The falsehoods have also left me at the judgement of New Zealanders, and the subject of radio and internet discussion and gossip which has been very distressing.
I have not slept adequately since 29 Jan 2006 and become exhausted easily. This exhaustion affects me deeply and limits what I can achieve each day.
The ongoing impact of my injuries and the stress of the last nine months have delayed the ability of my husband and I to start our own family.
The injuries and stress have aged me prematurely and affected it seems, every part of me and my life.
