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Police action after 101 call has left us separated and struggling financially

515 replies

PotatoSalad12 · 16/04/2026 14:20

Long story short! I completed a 101 form last week looking for advice regarding my home situation. I was hoping for signposting as following years of repeated behaviours, I decided I finally needed some support. Bad idea as the police took it as serious allegations and I met a threshold with the words I used on the form. They decided it was an arrestsble offence and after much to-ing and fro-ing, they eventually arrested my husband four days later.

He was released on bail in the early hours of Saturday morning. His phones (work and personal) have been retained by the police. He was escorted back to our house in order to collect his belongings and then had to leave. His conditions are no direct or indirect contact with me for 90 days and not to visit our house or "the area on the bail map" for the same time.

Over and over again I have told the police this is not the outcome I wanted, I would never have contacted them for advice if this was to be the outcome. I have even put in writing that I retract everything I have ever said to them.
The problem I now have is I cannot contact him or find out where he is. We have two primary aged children who cannot understand what is happening and I'm just telling them he's staying with a friend while trying to hold it all together.
My next biggest worry is finances. While I was the main income earner, his salary helped substantially towards the upkeep of the house. I am not going to be able to afford all of our bills over the next three months and I don't want to end up evicted or in council tax arrears because of this situation. The police never return my calls or emails and I learned yesterday that I have got a social worker coming to visit me and the children this afternoon.

Does anyone have any advice as to what I can do? I desperately want my husband back but I can also fully understand that he doesn't know the entire situation and just sees it as me requesting his arrest, restrictions and potential sentencing when it couldn't be more opposite from the truth.

OP posts:
TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 26/05/2026 21:49

Thrilled to read your update @PotatoSalad12

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 26/05/2026 22:09

What an amazing update! Such a great demonstration of the relief of being out from under the thumb of a coercive man.

Marshatessa · 26/05/2026 23:12

The most wonderful thread to read. So so proud from afar of you. You and your kids have wonderful things to look forward to.

only think I would mention to social is his contact in future and how you don’t feel it’s safe . Just in case he takes you to court for contact

ThisJadeBear · 27/05/2026 11:10

That update is just a gift.
And well done on becoming self-employed your life is your own now.
You and your children going to your thrive.
Your thread is also fantastic for anyone in a similar position.

Beaniebobbins · 27/05/2026 13:08

PotatoSalad12 · 26/05/2026 19:35

Yes! Go you! Have you decided what you're having done? How wonderful ❤️ xx

Just had a cut and style, and wore a pretty summery dress for the first time in years! It's weird how having compliments make such a difference, I know it is literally the hairdresser's job to tell you you look nice but when noone has said it to you for such a long time it makes such a difference. I just thought I was too old and mumsy to look nice anymore. The old me is gradually coming back.

ThisJadeBear · 27/05/2026 13:24

Beaniebobbins · 27/05/2026 13:08

Just had a cut and style, and wore a pretty summery dress for the first time in years! It's weird how having compliments make such a difference, I know it is literally the hairdresser's job to tell you you look nice but when noone has said it to you for such a long time it makes such a difference. I just thought I was too old and mumsy to look nice anymore. The old me is gradually coming back.

Good for you @Beaniebobbins

PotatoSalad12 · 27/05/2026 14:57

Beaniebobbins · 27/05/2026 13:08

Just had a cut and style, and wore a pretty summery dress for the first time in years! It's weird how having compliments make such a difference, I know it is literally the hairdresser's job to tell you you look nice but when noone has said it to you for such a long time it makes such a difference. I just thought I was too old and mumsy to look nice anymore. The old me is gradually coming back.

It makes the world of difference doesn't it? I bet you look and feel fabulous now - and so you should ❤️

OP posts:
angelofmydreams1981 · 27/05/2026 17:43

What a turnaround in 6 weeks!! Wishing you all the best

dementedmummy · 28/05/2026 19:28

PotatoSalad12 · 26/05/2026 17:35

Hello everyone. Appreciating all the checking in posts!

I'm doing SO well. I've completely found myself again, and I feel like I'm learning who I am from afresh. I love the person I am, the person who went missing. I'm the mum who took her kids rock climbing this weekend, went to the village fête and had wonderful chats with our neighbours who all offered the most amazing support (it's all very la-di-da here and you can't fart without someone knowing 🤣). I'm the mum who finished her employment on Friday just gone and is absolutely owning her next steps of freelancing/consulting. I'm the woman who went for a botox appointment today (don't judge too hard!) and not only did that, but also decided to go and get my car cleaned, and fill up at a fuel station I don't usually use - all because I could and was allowed to as no one was monitoring my movements.

I bumped into an old friend in the middle of the forecourt. Neither of us were meant to be there at that time and we had the biggest cuddle.

I've now got a friend heading over to have a catch up in the garden on this ridiculously hot evening. Because I'm allowed friends and visitors again.

I can breathe. I am strong. And if anyone is reading this who is at the beginning of this horrendous journey, I can promise you that you will do this, you will make friends with the person you once were and you will fall in love with that deleted personality.

Oh, and I'm also going clubbing on Friday night. Just because you should never waste a good crisis. So grandparents are house/dog/kid sitting while I have the best time because I bloody deserve it.

This is an amazing update! Congratulations 🎉 For all the horrific bile that gets spewed on the internet, this is a bloody marvellous example of women having a complete stranger's back and celebrating her wins. Restoring my faith in humanity that good will eventually triumph over evil. Massive hugs 💝

Letsgoforaskip · 28/05/2026 20:21

What a lovely response @dementedmummy.
OP, your line, “I love the person I am, the person who went missing,” says it all.
It’s terrible that you were lost, but fabulous that not only have you come back to life but I have a feeling you’re going to be living with even more verve and passion than before. 🥰🎊

dementedmummy · 28/05/2026 21:42

Letsgoforaskip · 28/05/2026 20:21

What a lovely response @dementedmummy.
OP, your line, “I love the person I am, the person who went missing,” says it all.
It’s terrible that you were lost, but fabulous that not only have you come back to life but I have a feeling you’re going to be living with even more verve and passion than before. 🥰🎊

Thank you!

MarxistMags · 28/05/2026 21:43

Fabulous news. I bet there is a big difference in the kids as well.

PotatoSalad12 · 29/05/2026 07:12

My mum watched the kids for me for a few hours yesterday afternoon while I went to have my hair done and go shopping. When I got back she was saying how much happier, relaxed and good they now are. She couldn't get over the noticeable difference in them, she was saying that my son in particular was like a different child, like the lovely little boy he was years and years ago. This makes it worthwhile ❤️

OP posts:
ThisJadeBear · 29/05/2026 07:20

@PotatoSalad12 what’s fantastic update. Have a fabulous Friday and a wonderful weekend. Go swish that hair!

CombatBarbie · 29/05/2026 18:55

PotatoSalad12 · 29/05/2026 07:12

My mum watched the kids for me for a few hours yesterday afternoon while I went to have my hair done and go shopping. When I got back she was saying how much happier, relaxed and good they now are. She couldn't get over the noticeable difference in them, she was saying that my son in particular was like a different child, like the lovely little boy he was years and years ago. This makes it worthwhile ❤️

My mum said the same xxx I was one of your previous posters trying to make you wake up and see the coffee as it were.....

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