.jpg)
.svg)
A Manchester woman who endured physical, psychological and sexual abuse during pregnancy and after giving birth has spoken about her experience after her former partner was jailed for 15 years.
Nicole, who has chosen not to disclose her full name, said she lived in constant fear during her relationship with 22-year-old Elliot Allen Bulman. She described feeling like a “hostage” as his behaviour became increasingly controlling and abusive.
Bulman was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on 18 September to 15 years in prison, with a further five years on licence. He was convicted of rape, coercive and controlling behaviour, non-fatal strangulation, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and assault by penetration.
Nicole said Bulman initially appeared to be a caring and attentive partner. However, she said his behaviour gradually changed and a pattern of manipulation, isolation and violence developed.
She said he monitored her phone, restricted her contact with friends and family and prevented her from leaving their shared flat without permission.
When Nicole became pregnant, she said her fears became even greater because she was concerned about the impact of the violence on her unborn child.
She said she felt unable to leave because she feared what might happen to her and her baby if she challenged him or ended the relationship.
Following the birth of her child, Nicole said the abuse became more severe. She also described being subjected to financial control and threats that she would lose her child.
Nicole eventually told people close to her about what had been happening. With their support, she began planning a way to leave the relationship.
However, before she could leave on her own terms, she said Bulman attacked her in a public place in front of colleagues and members of the public.
The incident was captured on dashcam footage and later helped Nicole decide to approach police.
She was able to leave the relationship when her child was three months old.
Nicole said she believed remaining in the relationship could have had fatal consequences and wanted to share her story to encourage others experiencing abuse to seek help.
Bulman was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by five years on licence. He must serve at least two-thirds of his sentence before being considered for parole.
A restraining order has also been imposed to protect Nicole and her immediate family for a minimum of 20 years.
Nicole said the conviction and sentence gave her a sense of validation after remaining silent about the abuse for a long period.
She acknowledged that leaving an abusive relationship can be extremely difficult, particularly when children, financial control and threats are involved.
But she said she wanted others in similar situations to know that support and a way out can exist, even when leaving feels frightening or impossible.
Nicole said that after escaping the relationship and seeing her former partner held accountable, she finally felt able to “breathe again”.
