AN ELDERLY mother has heaped praise on police officers who saved her from abuse by her son, who has now been jailed.

Dora Williams, 85, was previously attacked by her son Robin Williams and he was given a restraining order.

Despite this the 53-year-old, of no fixed address, continued to contact her and was arrested last June.

He was sent to prison last week for 12 weeks for two counts of breaching his restraining order.

Ms Williams met PC Lizzy Viney, of Basildon’s Domestic Abuse Investigations Team, at her home today where they discussed a number of topics, including the case, over a cup of tea.

She said: “No mother likes to know that their child is in prison, however, I’m more at ease now.

“It was a difficult life with Robin up until his arrest and I’m pleased officers were quick to respond when I needed help.

“I know he didn’t want to go to prison and he’s not a bad person. Unfortunately, he had been living a chaotic lifestyle ahead of his arrest.

“I would urge parents to call the police if they are being abused by their grown up children. I know it can be tough but they may turn their lives around. I’m hopeful my son will.

“Basildon DAIT has been amazing and I’ve been sending thank you cards. They are good people. They have been worried about me and they have come around several times.

“I’m thankful for the police and for officers like Lizzy.”

PC Viney said: “It was great to see Dora today, she was in good spirits.

“We try to build good relationships with all people reporting abuse and today’s visit was part of my work to support Dora.

“When the abuse is between a parent and their child – no matter their age - it can be hard for the victim to come forward and support a prosecution as the perpetrator is a member of their own family.

“I commend Dora for recognising that her son needs help and that she needs protection.

“Dora was incredibly brave to support a prosecution, which understandably was difficult for her.

“I thank Dora for her time today. It’s important to recognise that she’s not just a victim of domestic abuse – she’s a happy, independent woman with plenty of passions.”

Detective Inspector Sophie Hammonds said: “Dora’s story reflects how so many parents struggle in silence with domestic abuse at the hands of their children, who are in fact now grown adults capable of causing them serious harm.

“This kind of abuse is happening every day, often behind closed doors to members of our community, and it’s important that we raise awareness about it. “Lizzy has supported Dora throughout the investigation and it has been pleasing for me to see first-hand today the good relationship that they have.

“Dora has shown great bravery by raising awareness about this form of domestic abuse and I thank her for her kind words.”