DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVOR STORIES
Joe and Valerie had been married for 50 years , had children and even grandchildren - everything seemed perfect . However , over the course of the last year , Valerie ’ s behaviour started changing . She had begun drinking a glass of wine before bed , which eventually turned into a bottle a day over the span of five months . Since Valerie had limited mobility she often spent her time in doors and would begin ordering Joe around , even hitting him if he took too long to complete a task . The abuse started becoming verbal as well as physical ,
Joe ' s Story :
John ' s Story :
with Valerie threatening to kill herself if Joe disclosed the abuse or her drinking habits .
Joe decided to call Men ’ s Advice , at first he felt conflicted but gradually found himself opening up as time passed . He felt relieved that he wasn ’ t being judged or made to feel guilty . The Advisor he was in contact with gave him the number to a local domestic abuse service and was able to move out of the house with support from friends and family .
When John began dating his girlfriend he was head over heels in love . However , after a couple months of dating the abuse began . She would call him fat , pinch his skin to the point of bruising , and punch him in the chest . John even ended up in the hospital after she kicked him in the hip , causing him to collapse .
After some time , John threw her out of the flat after she repeatedly punched him in the face . Following this , she began excessively texting that she loved him . John decided to phone the police to report the abuse but was told why he didn ’ t just leave her . He decided to go to Men ’ s Advice where they supported him .
To hear more stories from male domestic abuse survivors visit : mankind . org . uk
06 MENTION IT ISSUE 1