Joni Ernst abuse victim [View all]

https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/2019/01/22/joni-ernst-gail-senator-iowa-ia-divorce-congress-politics-trump-republican-washington-des-moines/2637142002/

Years before her divorce, U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst was assaulted by her husband after she confronted him about his alleged affair with their daughter's babysitter, she wrote in court filings.

Ernst, a Republican who represents Iowa, said that during her 26-year marriage with Gail Ernst, she was the victim of verbal and mental abuse and a physical assault after which a victim's advocate wanted to take her to a hospital, she wrote in public records connected to their divorce.

"Gail has been very cruel," she wrote. "This has been an extremely painful journey."

Ernst in August announced through a brief statement that she and Gail Ernst were divorcing. The divorce was finalized this month.

edit add text