Jeffrey Lee Shorey sentenced to prison for domestic violence committed against his wife
[NEWPORT NEWS, VA — SEPTEMBER 22, 2023] — On February 6, 2023, Jeffrey Lee Shorey, got in an argument with his wife at local hotel. Shorey then punched his wife in her face and pushed her to the ground. Newport News Police responded and observed the defendant’s wife to have several visible injuries. Shorey made statements to NNPD to include that he became angry and punched his wife like he has done in the past. The victim went to Riverside, where she was diagnosed with an orbital fracture to her left eye.
The defendant pled guilty to Malicious Wounding on June 8, 2023 and a sentencing hearing was scheduled. After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge Mills sentenced the defendant to 1 year 6 months incarceration. The victim was present at sentencing and testified. This case was prosecuted on behalf of the Commonwealth by Assistant Commonwealth Attorneys, Rebecca Thompson and Daniel Yates.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in 2020, there were 541 homicide victims in Virginia, more than half of which were committed by an intimate partner. On average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men. Domestic victimization is correlated with a higher rate of depression and suicidal behavior. Seventy-two percent of all murder-suicides involve an intimate partner; 94% of the victims of these murder suicides are female.
Domestic assault is dangerous for its survivors, for our communities, and creates enormous public health costs. Victims of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year. The cost of intimate partner violence exceeds $8.3 billion per year.
Survivors of domestic violence often need support from friends and family members to gain freedom from a cycle of violence. Similarly, community members and family members who witness a domestic violence incident should be proud to stand up for victims by coming to court and testifying truthfully about what they observed. The trap of violent intimate relationships is difficult for survivors to recognize and get out of, but surrounding them with resources and speaking up on their behalf can literally save a life.