A Decade of Abuse and the Fight for Justice
Kate Kniveton, the former wife of a former Tory MP, has spoken out about the decade of abuse she endured in her marriage. Her story is one of trauma, resilience, and the long-lasting impact of domestic violence.
Kniveton, who represented Burton in Staffordshire from 2019 to 2024, shared how her ex-husband, Andrew Griffiths, subjected her to years of physical and emotional abuse. She described being sexually assaulted while asleep and being screamed at by Griffiths when their two-week-old baby cried. The abuse was not just physical; it included verbal threats and manipulation. When she considered reporting the abuse to the police, Griffiths allegedly told her, “Nobody would believe you.” He added, “I’m the MP here. I’ve got a great relationship with the police — they all think I’m the blue-eyed boy.”
Griffiths, who took over as MP from Kniveton in her constituency, was known for his charm and charisma. However, this image was shattered when he was found guilty of raping and repeatedly assaulting his wife by a family judge in December 2021. His abusive behavior continued even after their separation in 2018, with the legal system being used to further torment Kniveton.
In an ITV documentary titled Breaking The Silence: Kate’s Story, Kniveton bravely waived her right to anonymity to share her experiences. She revealed that there were warning signs of abuse, which she initially dismissed as him being under pressure. Every time she threatened to report the abuse, Griffiths would try to intimidate her, reinforcing his power and control.
The documentary also highlights the ongoing battle between Kniveton and Griffiths in the legal system. Even after the initial findings against him, Griffiths continued to challenge them, denying the rape allegations. At a final High Court hearing in 2024, he accepted most of the findings but still denied the rape charges. In February 2024, a judgment was passed prohibiting him from any direct contact with his daughter, a decision that came after years of legal battles.
Griffiths claimed that the family court had failed his child, arguing that the burden of proof was lower than in criminal courts. He insisted that every child has the right to both parents in their lives and vowed to continue fighting for his daughter’s love and support.
Despite the challenges, Kniveton has become a powerful voice for women’s rights. She was once a campaigner for women’s rights and served as chief of staff to future Prime Minister Theresa May in 2006. Her journey from victim to advocate underscores the importance of speaking out against abuse and supporting survivors.
In November 2024, a new campaign called This Is Not Right was launched to address the persistent issue of violence against women. This year-long initiative, supported by Women’s Aid, aims to raise awareness and drive change on a national scale. The campaign seeks to highlight the urgent need for action and support for victims of gender-based violence.
Kniveton’s story serves as a reminder of the strength required to confront abuse and seek justice. Her courage in sharing her experience may help others find the confidence to speak out and seek help.
Breaking The Silence: Kate’s Story will air on ITV1 and ITVX tonight at 10:20pm. For those affected by domestic abuse, support is available through various organizations and helplines. Sharing stories like Kniveton’s is crucial in breaking the cycle of silence and fostering a safer environment for all.
