So, like, this dude Barry McGovern from Northern Ireland spilled the tea on the abuse he faced from his ex, Carlos Martins. Barry, 45, from Killyclogher in Co Tyrone but now in Newtownabbey, is speaking out after Carlos got convicted of assault. Barry experienced social isolation, aggression, and stress during their four-month relationship. He met Carlos on Tinder in September 2023, thinking he was cool, but boy was he wrong.
They moved in together and Barry thought things would get better, but nah. Carlos was a control freak, not letting Barry have friends over or even go in the living room. Barry was walking on eggshells, feeling sick to his stomach coming home from work. Barry lost three stone from the stress, living in constant anxiety.
Things hit the fan on January 30, 2024, when Barry got home from the doctor and all hell broke loose. The cops got involved and Barry was a mess. He was on meds and off work, but had to go back because bills don’t pay themselves. Barry wants people in similar situations to speak up, ’cause the law is changing.
Barry’s been working hard to raise awareness about mental health and wants others to know they can get out, walk away, and be okay. He’s still struggling but hopes for a normal life and a loving relationship in the future. John McCandless from MAP NI has been supporting Barry and says many men face similar abuse in silence. The Men’s Advisory Project needs more funding to help male victims of domestic abuse.
So, like, don’t be afraid to speak up, y’all. There’s help out there, and you can get through it. Just keep pushing forward. Life may be tough now, but it’ll get better. Stay strong, folks.
