Pharmacist Aids Domestic Violence Victim

A pharmacist has been lauded by a judge for her efforts to help a domestic violence victim.

In October 2014, Sonia Whittingham appeared at Julie Markham’s pharmacy visibly upset, according to The Sentinel. Whittingham, who wore her hood up, also exhibited severe bruising and swelling and had blood on her face.

Concerned, Markham wanted to call the police, but the victim said that reporting the violence might cause more damage. However, Markham decided the best course of action was to alert authorities of the situation, The Sentinel reported.

According to police, Whittingham’s partner, Shane Trigg, had beaten the woman with a glass during an assault. Whittingham also reported to authorities that they often fought and that drinking was commonly involved.

Trigg, 40, pleaded guilty to assault and has been jailed for 18 months.

Judge William Edis described Whittingham’s wounds, which included 2 black eyes and a head wound that needed 7 stitches, as “horrendous,” The Sentinel reported.

“It is fortunate the pharmacist acted as she did,” the judge said. “I commend her for her thoroughly professional reporting of this matter to the authorities. Even though the victim did not want to take it much further, her responsible and commendable intervention may have prevented something much worse happening.”