Setka’s wife claims she has been the subject of verbal abuse, wants divorce

The wife of union boss John Setka has claimed she has been the subject of verbal abuse and wants to divorce her estranged husband.

The wife of union boss John Setka says she wants to divorce her estranged husband after claiming she has been a victim of verbal abuse.

Emma Walters said a “vile and abusive” note was hand-delivered to her house last week that labelled her as an “Aussie c--t”, liar and a “dumb bitch.”

She said she was “shocked” as her daughter, 10, was the first to read the typed note.

The letter also claims that she was being “watched” by the Croatian community and that she was “never accepted” by them.

The anonymous note also accuses Ms Walters of wanting to “clean him (Mr Setka) up in a divorce and get custody of the kids”.

She said she contacted police but says she was told without CCTV footage, there was little they could do to investigate.

John Setkas estranged wife Emma Walters is speaking out amid new alleged abuse claims. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Ms Walters also claims she is a victim of “coercive control”.

Earlier this year, Victoria Police investigated reports concerning Mr Setka’s conduct on January 26.

In 2019, he faced court over a series of abusive text messages.

He pleaded guilty to harassing his wife and was placed on a one-year good behaviour bond.

He was also ordered by the court to complete a men’s behavioural program.

Ms Walters also said Mr Setka had become “verbally abusive” during a phone call and called her family members and friends “dog c--ts” in fresh allegations to police earlier this year.

She said: “My message to John is very clear – I want a divorce, I want to look after our children and I want him to stay away from me,” she said.

Ms Walters revealed that she had also allegedly been “verbally abused” for several months by Mr Setka. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

“I want him to have behavioural therapy so that he can engage with his children in a way that’s appropriate because I think it’s very important that the next generation doesn’t go forward in a bad way.”

Ms Walters said she wanted to become a domestic violence advocate to help victims.

“I want to be a voice for victims to help them, especially with coercive control because I have been a victim of that.

“My family and I deserve closure. I’ve contacted a number of counsellors and I hope it’s not a long wait – I’m doing the basics to get by and do what’s best for my family.”

A Victoria Police spokesman said: “Police have spoken to a 45-year-old West Footscray woman after she received a harassing letter in the mail earlier this month.”

“Investigations into the incident remain ongoing and police are following up several lines of enquiry,” he said.

Anyone with information that could assist police with their investigation is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mr Setka refused to comment when contacted by the Herald Sun on Thursday.

Originally published as Setka’s wife claims she has been the subject of verbal abuse, wants divorce