True stories

Michelle's story

Matt and I were together for six years. He beat me up for four of them. He didn't touch me to start with, but he used to call me a 'slag' and much worse. He made me feel useless, like I couldn't do anything properly on my own. It was worst when we were with friends - it was like he enjoyed making me feel small in front of them.

It wasn't all the time though and that's why it was so hard to work out what was going on. I talked myself into believing it wasn't a serious problem and no relationship was perfect.

The first time he ever slapped me we'd been out to a bar. We'd had a really good night because lots of our friends were there too. It was a laugh. But when we got back home he said I'd been flirting with his best mate, Darren. I couldn't believe it. I didn't even fancy Darren and anyway it was Matt I was in love with. Matt looked at me with this coldness in his eyes and said really quietly, “you tart". Then he slapped me.

After that it got worse but I stuck with him because every time he kicked or punched me he said he was sorry. And he always told me how much he loved me. Then I got pregnant and it got ten times worse. In the end he kicked me so badly that I lost the baby. That was when I saw the light and got out.

If I'd known then what I know now I'd have left him right at the start. I'll never forgive Matt for what he did.

It all happened a few years ago now but I haven't got over it completely. I don't know if I ever will. I'm in another relationship now with a great guy and I really don't believe he would ever hurt me. We're going to start trying for a baby but inside me there's this sadness about the baby I lost.

I never thought I'd get to where I am now and really I just think I'm so lucky - I've been given another chance.

All names and identifying details have been changed to protect individuals involved.