In this raw and honest video interview, Amy Kaufman shares her harrowing experience of domestic abuse and coercive control at the hands of her now ex-husband, Jonah Keri, a prominent Canadian sports journalist.
Amy details how the relationship, which began in 2016, started with ‘love bombing’ – a tactic often used by abusers. Initially, Keri showered her with attention, affection, and gifts, making her feel as though she was living a fairy tale. There were picnics, flowers, and hotel rooms filled with champagne, creating an illusion of the perfect romance. However, this façade quickly faded as Keri’s true nature emerged, leading Amy into a nightmare of control and violence.
The abuse escalated over time, with Keri taking over Amy’s finances under the guise of relieving her stress, thereby gaining further control over her life. Kaufman, who had confided in a few friends and family members, found herself too terrified to leave due to Keri’s threats. This form of manipulation and intimidation is a hallmark of coercive control, where the abuser systematically erodes the victim’s autonomy and instills fear to keep them trapped. Amy described her life during this period as being a prisoner, unable to see a way out due to the constant harassment and danger posed by Keri.
When Amy finally reported Keri to the police, she provided substantial evidence, including threatening messages, audio, and video recordings. This led to Keri pleading guilty to seven charges of assault, criminal harassment, and uttering death threats, covering incidents from July 2018 to January 2019. His subsequent 21-month sentence, Amy hopes, will offer some solace and encouragement to other survivors of domestic abuse and coercive control. By sharing her story, Amy aims to shed light on the insidious nature of coercive control and provide hope to those who are still trapped in similar situations.
Featured image: Amy Kaufman. Source: YouTube Screenshot / Los Angeles Times.
