I'm sure that the police will already have said this to you, but have you changed the locks and installed CCTV (or at least a door viewer?)
No Garry, they havent. I was going to say far from it but that would be a bit unfair as all bar one experience with the Police throughout all of this has been fantastic. I live in a very remote rural village where crime is virtually unknown. As far as I know the last logged complaint was in 1957 when the village stocks had been vandalised.
Early on Monday evening the Police alerted me to the fact that hed discharged himself from hospital where he was awaiting a second medics signature for sectioning and even called round at my house to check that I was ok. Fantastic service, way above and beyond the call of duty and I was impressed. They were fearful for my safety and told me to dial 999 immediately if he turned up and definitely not open the door (as if I would!) before they arrived.
At 10.20pm the knock came. Id expected him to kick the door in/smash a window and had already alerted all of my near neighbours who were on standby. But he didnt. I stalled for time and after what seemed like an eternity (in reality it was 25 minutes) the Police arrived.
The violence during the previous 48 hours was unprecedented. When it came to the point where I realised I could no longer cope alone I phoned one of his friends to come and help me; a burly strapping lad who, I imagine, has believed the she drove me to it lies of the past 5 years. To say that his eyes were opened would be an understatement. For the next 12 hours we were both subjected to actual physical and attempted sexual assaults. The dog escaped both but it was a close call only avoided by putting ourselves in the firing line to deflect attention.
Anyway, cutting to the chase, this was a matter of record as far as the Police were concerned. Theyd taken statements from his friend (and another, who arrived to help the next morning also violently assaulted) and myself.
What really ragged me was the attitude of the WPC who attended in response to my 999 call.
Me: I wont open the door unless Im convinced that youve got him restrained.
She: Dont be so stupid and paranoid. Nothing wrong with him at all see him chatting to my colleague. Seems like a really nice guy.
Me: Have you read the incident reports? Surely you realise that hes more than a little unhinged and might cut my throat in the blink of an eye
She: Yes, Ive seen the reports but the hospital were ok for him to discharge himself so as far as Im concerned hes well. Stop being silly and give me his car keys.
Me: I was promised that if I dialled 999 youd be here in a matter of minutes. Its been ages. How come it took you so long?.
She: I didnt deem it a priority and in any case, we were changing shifts. Things get delayed.
Go figure :shrug:
As things stand hes now been detained under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act which, in theory, gives me 28 days of sanctuary. In reality therell doubtless be a shortage of bed space and hell be deemed well enough to be discharged early for the purposes of expediency.
The joyous feeling of liberation Im experiencing whilst I know hes safely under lock and key is more fabulous than I can say and I intend to enjoy every single moment to the full. Regrettably, this time is limited so Id better whoop it up while I can!
Never a large lady by any means but Ive always had a huge appetite for food and an aversion to exercise. Eating particularly well at the moment but Im astonished to see how far my weight has plummeted since Sunday. Ive not actually weighed myself as I dont have scales but my clothes are just falling off me and I look skeletal (as opposed to slim/thin/slender which is usual). Must be down to stress as Im eating loads. If anyone could give me some nutritional pointers theyd be very gratefully received. I need to be physically well to deal with this situation.
Togging a wedding with Betty tomorrow in Nottingham which will be great fun; bride, groom and families are lovely people. Dee and me will be in fits of giggles, as usual, and hopefully get some great shots along the way. The weather forecast is promising.
In the event that anyone might be interested, Ill keep you posted,
Alison x