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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Abusive realationship

75 replies

Losingme · 28/12/2017 00:18

Hi all, I need to get this down in writing, I think so I can read it fully myself when
I feel so weak. I know what everyone will say and trust me, I’ve said the same to other people “ just go!” “Why are you staying??” , it’s so different when you’re in it.
I have been with my partner for 14 years and have 4 children. He’s done it slowly, when I met him I had a good group of friends bother male and female. He didn’t like it and eventually I lost touch with them, I thought it would be better that way. To save an argument. He’s a drinker and a foul mouthed drunk. He would only get drunk around twice a month for ages so I thought I could put up with it and I did for soo many years. He’s a good dad although looking at it now, they hear him call me awful things and Treat me so poorly. He has this knack you see, of making me think I’m in the wrong, twisting things. Or on the other end he will apologise and cry, then I forgive knowing deep down it will happen again.
It got worse recently, I decided to go to college and do what I’ve always wanted, become a nurse. When he would drink he would ask me if they’re were any males in the class and when I said there were, I would get accused of cheating when he was drunk which was now becoming every night. One night he threw all my college work out of the window and took my shoe off and hit me with it. I was shocked and I just let him go away and sleep. I got into university and finally started my course. He calls me a lazy student who does nothing and contributes nothing. We recently went to a family function were he was inappropriate with my friend and everyone was so angry with me. I thought that was it, but he’s such a different person when sober (still jealous though) so I forgave. I went out with a friend for a drink and I knew what that would mean, two days of hell. He would call me names and not leave me alone ( this is always at night time when the children are asleep) I am aware however that children are not stupid. A few weeks ago he accused me of having someone in the house because the shower head was higher. It was so ludicrous I just shut down. It wouldn’t matter what I’d say anyway, I wouldn’t be believed. There is so much more moments over the years that it would take me forever to write them down. However the thing that happened yesterday made me snap. I want so badly to leave. He was drinking straight whiskey and so I just tried to avoid him. I couldn’t. He would stand there and harass me asking the same questions over and over and over even though I had already answered. But unless I give the specific answer he’s looking for, it’s useless. My brother had come round earlier in the day to see the kids. He started drinking when he left, this is what finally made me snap. He accused me of wanted to sleep with my own brother. I locked myself in the bathroom and stayed there for an hour hoping he would fall asleep. I woke up today exhausted and took the children out for the day, they could see I was upset and I hate that for them. I can see they are not happy either and my heart aches at what a terrible mother I have been.
I need to get out but I’m a student with four children. I have no one who can help me. I feel so trapped. Sorry for the rant, I just needed to get it out. The awful thing is that this is only the tip of iceberg. I dream of a day when I’m in my own home with my children. Just us. Happy.

OP posts:
Kingsclerelass · 28/12/2017 00:36

You already know what you have to do.

Start by talking to your council, housing association, friends & family who will back you up. Anyone close will be relieved you've finally decided enough is enough. They will have been biting their tongues because they thought it was what you wanted.
Telling someone is the best first step. Flowers

1stX · 28/12/2017 00:44

You sound like you need someone IRL to talk to, if not friends/family then speak Ymir your gp or google counselling.

It sounds like you know what you want to do and the advice you’ll get on here will undoubtedly be a resounding ‘leave’
That’s often easier said than done, especially after so long together and so many ties. You’re going to have to be brave. Stay strong and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Try and find a domestic abuse charity or an IDVA (independent domestic violence advisor) who can offer real life support and advice. Good luck and sorry that you’re going through this x

Losingme · 28/12/2017 00:50

Thank you, I think you hit the nail on the head, bravery. I’m scared I’ll wake up tomorrow and think I should just hang in there a bit longer, that’s what I normally do.
Thank you for not judging x

OP posts:
Losingme · 28/12/2017 00:50

Thank you x

OP posts:
mrsharrison · 28/12/2017 01:06

Your post made me shudder. Reminds me of my abuser. Can you talk to your friends and family. They may have some ideas.
Don't minimise what he is doing. He will drive you to a breakdown. You. Need to start planning a new life without him.
It will be hard but you can do this. I no longer live in fear and I want the same for you.

Weezol · 28/12/2017 01:29

You have done one of the really tough steps by recognising this and acknowledging it. Don't underestimate the massive achievement of this - well done, bloody well done Flowers
Contact Women's Aid for some advice on next moves.

Poshindevon · 28/12/2017 05:49

Womens Aid can advise and help you. You must definitely go and see a solicitor regarding your rights.
This one will be hard but when your husband is drunk and starts abusing you again. Call the police dont hide in the bathroom call the police every time he starts on you. The police keep a record of domestic violence calls and this record can be used in a separation or divorce to your advantage.
Talk to your brother and any other family member that you feel will listen. Dont be ashamed as a PP said they may have been biting their tongues.
You are on the first step of a journey that will change your life for the better. Good luck OPFlowers

princesssparkle1 · 28/12/2017 06:59

Ring women's aid. Tell them everything. Start there. 0808 2000 247.

NynaevesSister · 28/12/2017 08:59

You are not a terrible mother.

He is the one who is abisive, drunk, and treats you so badly. He is making your lives miserable.

You are not responsible for this.

Do what is right for your children to have a happier life. Leave him.

And remember. You are not a terrible mother.

OnTheRise · 28/12/2017 09:45

I'm so sorry you're going through this. You do not deserve a moment of abuse, and your husband is horrible to treat you this way.

The first thing to remember is that once you decide to leave, things get more dangerous. He'll be able to sense that he's lost control of you, and is likely to ramp up his abuse. So be wary. Don't tell him what you're doing.

Speak to Women's Aid to find out what help is available to you.

Get birth certificates, passports, marriage certificates; banking details; everything you might need. If you are worried he will notice that the certificates are missing then get copies of them. If you have a friend, leave them there so you can be certain they're safe. Pack a bag you can grab easily if you have to leave in a hurry.

Every time he abuses you, phone the police.

I hope you get away from him safely.

bobstersmum · 28/12/2017 09:47

I hope you can work something out here and get out with your kids and start enjoying your lives.

SuperLoudPoppingAction · 28/12/2017 10:01

Your university might be able to help with housing and financial support.
They often have a fund which might still have some cash this time of year.

Once you qualify you will be well paid which is brilliant.

It's just a little push until then.

Honestly being poor and in control of your life is so much better than having a bit of cash and feeling scared to spend it. You'll be fine. I did the same thing and I'm so glad I left.

SmileEachDay · 28/12/2017 10:08

Women’s Aid is a good start. I bet some of those “ex” friends would help if you got back in touch also - I know I would.

Is your brother aware of the abuse?

What is your current housing situation? Rented? Owned?

1DAD2KIDS · 28/12/2017 10:14

You have done well to realise how manipulative and controlling he is in the relationship. My ex devided me from close friends and family, I didnt even she what she was doing. Would play mind games with me. Would accuse me of cheating all the time (even though she was the one cheating as it turns out). Would start arguments all the time and make everything feel my fault all the time. Would put me down all the time, sap my confidence (even though it was her who lacked skills, intelligence, people who liked her). I didn't realise half the manipulation untill I had the clarity of being apart from my ex. With the knowledge you have I think you know you have to leave. I know the situation is tricky and difficult but long term value has to be better than your current situation.

BitOutOfPractice · 28/12/2017 11:37

What's your housing situation op.

It sounds so intolerable for you. You have done your best. You have nothing to feel guilty about. Now it's time to dig deep, for your kids' sakes and leave this vile excuse for a man

Losingme · 28/12/2017 13:01

Thank you all for the replies and the kindness. I think knowing you have to get out and being stuck is worse then living in the denial that he can change. I’m literally a shell of who I used to be and I’m not sure who that was.
We are not married, we live in a rented house which I could not afford on my own.

I will call women’s aid and hope they can help me.
Thank you all again x

OP posts:
Weezol · 28/12/2017 13:14

The positive in renting is that when you leave, you are not tied to him as you would be with a mortgage.

notapizzaeater · 28/12/2017 13:26

Does the uni have some support ? You can't stay living like this. Have you put your details into www.entitled.co.uk to see how you would be money wise ?

BitOutOfPractice · 28/12/2017 13:40

Speak to the council too. See what they can do. We are all here to help and support op. You must get yourself and your children away from this horrible abuse. You say you are just a shell but you are clearly a strong and capable woman, bringing up 4 kids and training too. You can do this

mrsharrison · 28/12/2017 14:24

I agree, to raise a family and study as you do speaks volumes about how strong you are.
And it takes a certain strength to tolerate this wharf rat you live with.
When you leave you will learn so much about yourself.
In the short term do try to record his abuse on your phone. This could be a big help in the near future if you want to get him out with a restraining order.

Losingme · 28/12/2017 14:25

I do t want the uni to know, I want to keep something that hasn’t been tainted and I don’t want to be seen as unprofessional. My family are not aware of his behaviour as I always cover for him. I’ve told his mum a few things but then she just sweeps it under the rug like it never happened, a bit like him I suppose. I can’t do anything until he goes back to work next week ( he’s off for Christmas) so that’s when I will be make my my calls. I start my placement soon and I’m just dreading trying to do all this.

OP posts:
OnTheRise · 28/12/2017 18:27

Please don't worry about your uni knowing. They have all sorts of support they can give you if you need it. Some of my children's friends wouldn't have made it through their degrees without their uni's support: they said it made all the difference.

Don't bother talking to his mum about him, she obviously won't help you.

And I know it's a lot to cope with. Of course you're worried. But it's going to be a lot easier coping with this than putting up with him; and remember how his abuse has trained you to doubt yourself and not feel up to managing things on your own. You're going to be surprised by how great things are, and how well you manage, once you're free.

Allthetuppences · 28/12/2017 18:38

Get away from him. You definitely have the strength he's just done a number on you so you don't believe that.
College may be able to refer you for some additiinal support and have informatiin of local services. As should your local council etc. Just do it tomorrow. Don't try to think about it. Just keep doing what's needed to get safe and free and your children safe and free.

signandsingcarols · 28/12/2017 19:04

I am a Uni lecturer and I teach on a health and social care degree course, so lots of nurses in training, please believe the Uni will not see you as in any way unprofessional, there is likely to be support available if you are able to be open with the student suppport services and your personal tutor. Good luck and may 2018 be the start of your new lives,

AugustIsACruelMonth · 28/12/2017 20:00

Please get help from your uni. My heart breaks for you.
My heart breaking for you won't, of course, do you a scrap of good but you'll find that you are so much stronger than at present, you think you are.
Onward and upward, my friend.

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