Confronting video shows domestic violence attack at Sydney McDonald's

Exclusive: Domestic violence is often kept secret and behind closed doors, but one courageous Sydney victim wants her story told.

The footage of what happened to her is distressing, but it's also the brutal reality of a national crisis that has led a Sydney judge to go to great lengths to protect the woman for the next 14 years.

It shows a meeting outside McDonald's at Minchinbury that turns into a fight for life.

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The woman is chased by her former boyfriend, who has a 20-centimetre knife in his hand.

Young diners watch as the victim is repeatedly punched, trying with all her might to kick her attacker away.

He then drags her across the floor, slicing her hands in the struggle.

In a final despicable act, her abuser steals her phone and keys and rips off her jumper, before fleeing.

The woman screams for a place to hide, fearing he'll be back.

Seta Ratucadre is the man behind the hoodie.

He has a history of violence and on this particular night had been drinking when he threatened to slit his ex-partner's throat.

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The 38-year-old pleaded guilty and has been jailed for at least four and a half years.

His victim agreed for a court to release the video.

So mortified by this crime, the judge took the extraordinary step of trying to protect the woman even after Ratucadre gets out of prison.

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An apprehended domestic violence order will be enforced for the next 14 years.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).