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The documentary My Wife, My Abuser: Captured on Camera reveals the 20-year history of abuse Richard Spencer endured from his ex-wife, Sheree. Available on Netflix (USA), Apple TV+, Sky TV, and Plex, the film uses nanny cam footage, audio recordings, and Richard's accounts to expose the severe domestic violence he suffered.
Sheree, once a respected prison official, now serves a prison sentence for the abuse. She is currently imprisoned in East Yorkshire.
Beyond Sheree Spencer's deeds, the narrative shows the hardships experienced by male victims of domestic violence. By telling his story, Richard hopes to inspire other men dealing with comparable mistreatment to get treatment.
Where is Sheree Spencer today?
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Sheree Spencer currently resides in prison, Hull Crown Court, East Yorkshire, where she began her four-year sentence in March 2023. She admitted to forcing and controlling behavior and assault that caused real bodily harm.
The crimes committed by Sheree occurred between 2016 and 2021. She was sentenced after her husband, Richard, bravely documented the abuse and sought help from the police. Richard had installed nanny cams to monitor their children, but the footage revealed Sheree's violent behavior, which led to her arrest.
The police, in acknowledging the gravity of Richard's suffering, pursued charges that eventually led to her conviction. Judge Kate Rayfield, during sentencing, stated,
“This is the worst case of controlling and coercive behavior I have seen,” highlighting the severity of Sheree's actions.
The extent of Sheree Spencer's abuse
Sheree Spencer subjected Richard to escalating abuse over two decades. According to Richard, her attacks included physical violence, verbal threats, and financial control. Instances recorded on video showed her punching and spitting at him, as well as threatening his life with a knife.
Richard hid his bruises under makeup, while Shree manipulated him emotionally and financially, forcing him to take loans to support her lifestyle. As per PC Adele Jenkinson from Humberside Police, the offenses were committed for too long and, to be specific, at times, every single day.
Richard's evidence was crucial. He documented each incident, from audio recordings to photographs, to show the abuse’s escalation. Hull Crown Court was informed that her husband was subjected to episodes of abuse, which included punching, kicking, and slapping, during persistent "nasty" attacks.
These attacks left him feeling trapped, in fear and despair. She struck him with a wine bottle, resulting in a "cauliflower ear" and a chipped elbow that left him disfigured.
In one incident, Sheree spat at her husband and grabbed him by the throat, causing him breathing difficulties. While living in London, her behavior worsened, becoming more aggressive with pushing and slapping. She even hit him on the back of the head with a wine glass, requiring stitches. In a statement to Humberside Police, Sheree falsely claimed she had picked up a carving knife during a confrontation because she felt threatened.
She also mentioned that her partner had expressed a desire to kill her rather than go through a divorce. Holding the knife, she had thought, "If he wants to kill me, just do it", framing her action as one of self-defense, albeit in a moment of desperation.
Sheree Spencer’s job and public persona
While working for HM Prison and Probation Service, Sheree Spencer appeared as a dedicated public servant. However, her professional image concealed a dark reality at home.
Her position of authority clashed with the hidden truth of her actions, leading to shock among colleagues and friends once the abuse became public. Her arrest raised questions about how abuse perpetrators can often hide behind professional personas, masking their private violence.
Impact on Richard Spencer and their children
The aftermath of Sheree's imprisonment continues to affect Richard and their three daughters deeply. Richard shared on Good Morning Britain saying,
“I wanted to protect his face so that he could still take the children to school."
The children, meanwhile, have displayed resilience despite witnessing their parents’ strained relationship. Richard credits them for their strength, hoping to shield them from further harm as they grow older. The case has sparked discussions on domestic violence’s impact on children and the lasting psychological effects on families.
Raising awareness for male victims
Richard’s decision to come forward has encouraged others to speak out about male domestic abuse. His testimony highlights the silent suffering many men endure, which often goes unrecognized.
He stated during police interviews,
“"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. Sheree manipulated me into believing that I was a responsible and willing participant in the abuse."
By sharing his story, Richard aims to remove the stigma surrounding male victimhood in abusive relationships.
Currently imprisoned, Sheree faces the consequences of her actions while Richard and their children work toward recovery.
His courage in exposing the abuse has helped raise awareness, breaking the silence many male victims endure. His story, documented in My Wife, My Abuser: Captured on Camera, now inspires a broader movement for justice and support for men facing domestic violence.
