I Married The Man Who Saved My Life

After her horrific ordeal, Melissa Dohme Hill thought she’d be single forever. Then she met her rescuer…

- Sarah Holmes

They say everything happens for a reason, and even the most terrible event can give way to a happier life. and it’s true. Five years ago my world was crushed, and while I’d never wish to relive that life-changing moment, I can’t completely regret it. Because, without it, I wouldn’t know the happiness I do today. 

I was 17 when I started dating Robert. He was the year above me in school, and so much more protective than the boys I’d dated before. He seemed wonderful, but by the time I started applying to universities a year later, our relationship had changed.

With Robert becoming controlling and jealous, at first I convinced myself it was just a rough patch. But the closer it got to graduation, the worse he became.

When I tried to break up with him, he threatened to kill himself. Then in October 2011, in an argument, he grabbed me by the hair and dragged me to the ground where he punched and kicked me. I managed to call the police and Robert was arrested. But because it was his first offence, 10 hours later he was released on bail.

I testified against him in court, and although he avoided jail, for a while he kept his distance. Only soon, he started texting.

I didn’t want to ignore him and make him angry. I figured if I appeased him with a few messages he’d leave me alone. And when friends told me he’d started dating someone new, I took comfort in the fact he’d moved on. I worried for the new girl he was with, but I had to focus on my own life. 

I’d just started a nursing degree, but I was still shaken from the attack, so instead of moving into student accommodation, I decided I’d live with my mum.

Dangerous obsession

When Robert called me drunk and sobbing in the early hours of 24 January 2012, I wish I’d turned over and fallen back asleep.