Netflix fans have been gripped by harrowing series My Wife, My Abuser.
The documentary tells the story of a man who survived 20 years of terror by wife Sheree Spencer. Richard Spencer appeared to live an idyllic life in Yorkshire suburb with his wife and three daughters. However, behind closed doors Sheree inflicted a range of physical and verbal abuse on him for over 20 years.
Her actions were only exposed when they were recorded on nanny cameras they had installed in their home. The series, which first aired on Channel 5, features harrowing clips of her attacks against Richard. It also pulled together written testimonials, audio recordings and photographs to showcase the abuse he suffered.
Richard wanted to share his story to raise awareness of male domestic abuse victims. Throughout her campaign of abuse, Sheree worked a senior job with HM Prison and Probation Service. She reportedly spat at and punched Richard and left him with bruises and scratches.
He covered them up with make-up before going outside. In one attack, Sheree held a knife against Richard's throat and in another, he sustained permanent ear and elbow injuries after she struck him with a wine bottle. Richard was controlled financially and was forced to take out loans.
He was also threatened with false allegations if he spoke to police about the abuse. Sheree was finally caught the night she called one of Richard's friends claiming he was drunk and she feared she was in danger. When the friend arrived, Richard told them about the abuse and showed them a video captured on one of the nanny cams.
The friend went to the police. Richard explained they had installed the cameras after the birth of their eldest daughter in 2015. He also began to keep audio recordings and photographs of his wife's abuse.
Sheree eventually pleaded guilty to coercive and controlling behaviour and three counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. She was jailed for four years at Hull Crown Court in March 2023. The offences that she was found guilty of took place between 2016 and 2021. She is currently in prison near York.
Judge Kate Rayfield said: "This is the worst case of controlling and coercive behaviour I have seen." Speaking to media, Richard said: "I have become resigned to the fact that I will never fully recover from her abuse and that it will have a permanent damaging impact on mine and my family's life.
"Sheree's abuse towards me evolved and escalated over time, she used repeated acts of physical assault, threats, verbal abuse, and humiliation to punish and exercise control over me. The abuse was hidden from the outside world, including friends and family. Sheree manipulated me into believing that I was a responsible and willing participant in the abuse. She remorselessly proclaimed that I deserved to be punished, and that it was a justifiable consequence of me disappointing her in some way."
For confidential support, contact the ManKind Initiative on 01823 334244 (open weekdays 10am to 4pm). The helpline is a listening service which provides emotional support, practical information and signposting. They also have also produced a directory of local services (called the Oak Book) which support male victims and helps to find services in their community. For more information visit Homepage - Mankind
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