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From Terror to Temporary Safety: Victim’s Abuser Taken Off the Streets

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From Terror to Temporary Safety: Victim’s Abuser Taken Off the Streets
From Terror to Temporary Safety: Victim’s Abuser Taken Off the Streets

A Dominican Republic national living in Antigua says she is finally breathing a little easier after police apprehended the man accused of brutally assaulting her late last month.

Twenty-five-year-old Crizzel Alexandra Mateo Javier was attacked on August 26 during a dispute in which she says the man struck her over the head with a piece of wood, leaving her unconscious and bleeding. The incident reportedly unfolded in front of her young son.

Following weeks of fear and uncertainty, police have now confirmed that the accused is in custody. Javier, who previously expressed frustration over safety concerns, says the arrest has brought her some peace of mind.

“I want to thank Antigua.news for telling my story. When the story came out everybody knew what I was going through. People from all over the world saw my story even my friends in DR. I never imagine the media so strong. I feel safer knowing he is not out there right now,” she said, noting that she can finally sleep without as much fear.

The mother of one also wants young women like her in similar positions to raise their voices against domestic violence.

“I wish that all those victims and people who went through this could identify themselves and raise their voices against so much violence on this beautiful island and above all that the authorities act when they should act,” she added.

However, she emphasized that her struggle is not over. The case is still before the court, with a hearing scheduled for September 16. Javier says she intends to pursue justice despite ongoing emotional and physical scars from the ordeal.

“I am stronger now, but I still want protection and justice,” she said.

For Javier, who moved to Antigua just a year ago with hopes of building a better future for her son, the developments mark a significant step forward but not yet closure.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (16)

  • WTF September 14, 2025, 7:59 AM

    I’ve now found a video report on this story,and felt i were harsh in my comment now. I now feeling a reader encountering this story for the first time,, should have been brought up to speed as to an earlier piece where phone and TV were involved.

  • WTF September 14, 2025, 7:40 AM

    Half assed stories.
    Tired of they !
    All sorts of words tossed around in this piece ,, yet non stating definitively A MAN SHE LIVED WITH or a man she dated or a stranger,, yet ,, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE rears its head.
    If ya goin ta report on a story…then do so in its entirety.

  • CKH September 11, 2025, 8:44 AM

    So how is it that after the story the police found this dude. That was fast. SMH. Antigua boiiiiiiiiiii

  • Informed citizen September 10, 2025, 11:16 PM

    At least she can finally breathe knowing he’s off the streets. Praying it stays that way.

  • Hadassah September 10, 2025, 6:05 PM

    100% agree with you Kimberly!!! Antigua.news has been doing so well with these videos! I prefer the videos than reading right!!!! I look forward everyday for the video stories. Too sad there’s no video story on a Friday n Saturday!!! Keep doing what you do A.N!!!!

  • Kimberly Martin September 10, 2025, 2:50 PM

    Can we admit that this is all because of Shermain Bique-Charles beautiful voice in those videos Antigua.news produce that brings these results. Antigua has many news outlets spanning for ABS right down to ANR and Antigua.news is the only ones who go out there and get the voice of people and make results changing videos. I’m happy this young woman is feeling free and relieved cause trauma kills! Police better deal with this guy cause they like talking about no evidence. Well done job Antigua.news

  • Randy Simon September 10, 2025, 2:25 PM

    Antigua.news is evidently the best news outlet on island! They follow every story and it got better with the implementation of these video stories. We get to know exactly what happens on camera instead of trying to understand after reading. I’m happy she’s safe now and she can breathe freely. I can’t begin to imagine her trauma.

  • Antigua Surf September 10, 2025, 2:23 PM

    Glad that the attacker was apprehended. Guess it took Antigua.news video story for us to get some sort of results, that’s why I would never stop praising Shermain and her team. The police do nothing but act like they don’t care. But glad to know she has a little relief. Thanks Again Antigua.news

  • We care September 10, 2025, 12:40 PM

    Don’t fear him press charges pray alot, we are happy for you hopefully more females open up and put the abusers away, that the next generation of girls don’t have to suffer, police need to take physical abuse more serious.

  • Mark September 10, 2025, 11:14 AM

    I was waiting to get an update and hear this woman get some help

  • Mike September 10, 2025, 11:02 AM

    And thats a wrap. So the police knew how to capture that abuser all the time then. Well ok

  • Nuoelize September 10, 2025, 10:47 AM

    Police really dont give a heck. So i guess when people want justice they have to go on ABS and antiguanews. It seems that is what it takes. I am happy she can breathe at least

  • Concern Citizen September 10, 2025, 10:34 AM

    Sometimes you never know! You can associate yourself with a person for years and never know what that person have in their head! Or when that individual will flip! We just never know🙏 Prayers and healing to this young lady, at lease she stepped out and forward and shared your voice for many many who are afraid to do so.

  • Teacher for Life September 10, 2025, 9:31 AM

    Thank you Antigua News for airing this young lady’s story but it shouldn’t have taken that for the Antigua Police to do their job. They had to practicly be shamed to act. Come on now!!

  • Apex Jones September 10, 2025, 8:54 AM

    We really need to be careful who we associate ourselves with. Happy that your in a better headspace now. Stay positive

  • Belive September 10, 2025, 7:39 AM

    This is great news that she got her abuser held. She is a brave Spanish woman. Justice for you lady

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