Injury Capture

Nov 7, 2024

4 min read

This week I watched 'MY WIFE MY ABUSER CAPTURED ON CAMERA' on Netflix. A story of a man called Richard SPENCER who was subjected to 20 years of physical and verbal domestic abuse at the hands of his wife Sheree SPENCER. A chilling and emotional watch.

Richard clearly loved his wife and was reluctant to ever report her, he didn't want to ruin her life, almost tried to protect her, she was the mother of his three children. Children who grew up witnessing Sheree's vile outbursts, watching her attack their father, she would sit with them on the sofa telling them that Richard was a nasty man, asking them to tell their friends and neighbours that he was abusing her, like it was an innocent bed time story. Her coercive and manipulative control over the situation meant Richard didn't say a word.

They both had full time jobs but Richard would call in sick or use makeup to mask his injuries. These injuries would play a crucial role in convicting her in 2021. Richard started to take photos of his injuries using his mobile phone.

Before I go on, if you ever suspect your phone/computer/ipad is monitored, taking images could put you in further danger if you store them in your photo albums. If you read about something delete the cookie afterwards. Protect yourself, your safety is the most important thing.

He also had a camera set up in the children's play room that captured Sheree hitting him, kicking him, spitting on him, coming at him with a large kitchen knife, threatening him with a wine bottle, it captured her verbally abusing him, insulting him, belittling him, threatening to tell people that it was in fact him abusing her. She would open up windows and scream for help or shout out things like "stop hitting me Richard".

He tells his story with quivering words and holding tears back. He felt guilty for recording her, for capturing images of his bruises hoping one day she would change for the better but she never did.

The story was unveiled when Sheree, in a drunken state, contacted one of Richard's best friends to tell him that she was at breaking point, Richard was drinking, he was abusing her, hitting her, he was a domestic perpetrator.

Richard's concerned friend came to the house to speak with the pair. It was only when he spoke to Richard alone that the truth came out, he asked about bruising to his face. Richard broke down telling him it was a daily occurrence and sent him some of the images and videos he'd kept. These vital pieces of evidence helped secure a custodial sentence and Sheree was placed in prison where she belonged.

It's a very thought provoking situation and programme, it's emotional and goes against what a lot of people think, that men can be victims. I hope it inspires more men to come forward and get help.

The above is a fantastic example of how important capturing injury photos can be. There's an app for smart phones called 'INJURY CAPTURE'. Not everyone will want to come to the Police for help, you might rely on your abuser for shelter, money, they are the parent of your children, your parents, your children, you love them, you'd have no where to go, they pay the kids school fees, you don't work, you might be left homeless. However, it's rare that an abuser will change. Unfortunately the abuse could get worse and in some worst case scenarios ..... end in death.

Using the app, is a way of giving you some control back. You make the choices, you document what's happening, you start to build a portfolio of what's happening to you, you start to gain a bit of power back.

Getting help

If you are in immediate danger or it's an emergency call 999.

You can make an appointment to see your doctor, they will be able to signpost you to help, it will also act as a record and if you are injured, the injuries can be documented with your consent.

'Injury capture' app - download from Google and App stores

An app that lets you record injuries sustained during domestic violence.

If you can't add the app to your phone because of safety reasons, ask a trusted friend to keep the app on their phone.

'Bright Sky' app

Looks like a weather app on your phone but once opened takes you to a supportive webpage that lets you document incidents, capture images, seek advice and get support in your area.

If you would like to report an offence then contact your local Police force.

They will be able to guide you through the process and go through your options, our first and main priority is your safety and wellbeing.

Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge

0808 200 0247

www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Refuge - National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 200 0247

www.refuge.org.uk

Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline

0800 999 5428

www.galop.org.uk