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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:
jedenfalls · 28/12/2017 20:04

Get there from the uni.

You are perfectly placed, they are usually awesome (I've had a lot f assistance over the years)

You are not a bad mum. But also. He is NOT good dad. Please remember that.

Good luck ˋ
X

TooManyPaws · 28/12/2017 20:08

Speak to Women's Aid, the police, your university and the council. You may be able to get temporary accommodation from the council, particularly with young children - our council certainly sees domestic abuse as a reason for emergency accommodation. Both WA and the police domestic violence unit will give good advice and assistance. Good 🍀 luck.

Badbadtromance · 28/12/2017 20:22

My ex was an abusive drunk. The times I covered for him when all along everyone knew. Reach out to family my guess is they already knowFlowers

mrsharrison · 28/12/2017 21:58

I know you are ashamed and don't want uni and people to know whats going on. This fear can hold you back from leaving. Fear of exposure is so overwhelming that staying with him may sometimes seem like the easier option.
But it really isnt. Once you open up to others you will feel huge relief and surprise at what help is out there.
Please trust us mumsnetters who have been through it.

40andFat · 28/12/2017 22:44

Please please just leave what about the brother you mentioned could he help. I once ran down the street in bare feet to get away from a drinker too. Always abusive after they’ve had a drink never ever thought I could get free. I did those first few weeks and months on my mums settee falling to sleep without worrying if he would kick off was pure bliss. 15 years later I can’t even believe some of the shit I put up with. Being hit called names threatened me and my family. Guess what when I finally stood up for myself nothing happened. Nothing at all be strong for your babies you can do it Smile

Losingme · 30/12/2017 15:44

I really appreciate everyone’s response, I’m going to wait till his back at work Wednesday and then start making my calls. My fear is if I tell him I’m leaving he will beg me to stay and I don’t know if I’m strong enough to say no.
I want 2018 to be the start of my new life, thanks again everyone and I’m sorry for anyone going through or has been through the same situation xxx

OP posts:
Weezol · 30/12/2017 16:10

Don't tell him anything. Make your plans and follow the advice of Women's Aid.

Losingme · 07/01/2018 01:26

He’s doing it right now, I need to leave .

OP posts:
Jb291 · 07/01/2018 01:33

Yes you need to leave and go somewhere safe with your children. If you are in immediate danger ring 999.

canoechick · 07/01/2018 01:36

Please ring 999 now . Lock yourself in bathroom in meantime for safety

TopazPolly · 07/01/2018 01:56

Phone 999. They will remove him. It's scary but just do it. They will keep you on the phone until the officers arrive.

TopazPolly · 07/01/2018 02:09

When this happened to me I eventually told my GP as he wanted to know why I was asking for anti depressants. He told me to call the police the next time it happened. And I did. It was the best call I ever made. He also gave me details of the local domestic abuse service who have been amazing. I've since done the freedom programme which I'd recommend. Please call for help and tell them everything. I now have a restraining order and can sleep at night without being scared. Be safe and let us know how you are. Flowers

caroline161 · 07/01/2018 06:31

What's happening now ? Are you safe?

pollythedolly · 07/01/2018 09:57

You ok?

TopazPolly · 07/01/2018 13:41

Hi August. Just wanted to check you are OK?

Chingchok · 09/01/2018 06:37

I hope you are safe. I wish you every strength in breaking free from this horrific relationship. Sending much love.

LyraPotter · 09/01/2018 08:08

You are right honey - you do need to get out. You aren't a bad mother or a weak person, but this man is ruining your life and you will be so much happier without him.

Speaking to women's aid (and to refuge) is a very good idea, they will advise you on your specific situation. But I think you should also start making protective preparations so that it is easier for you to leave. Here are some things I would do:

Make a diary of his abuse - every time has got drunk, shouted at you, hit you or been abusive in any way. This will help in any fight for custody.

Put aside any money you can spare in an account he can't access or a place he won't find it. You absolutely can leave with no money, but any cushion will help.

Make a plan for leaving - where will you go, what will you do for money etc. Refuge and women's aid will be able to help with this. Also consider whether you have family who could help.

Speak to the citizen's advice bureau - they will give advice on your rights and make sure you are legally protecting yourself and your children.

Make sure your partner doesn't find any of this stuff. Delete browser history, password protect your devices etc.

I wish you all the luck in the world OP - remember that there are so many people who will help you. You deserve to live happily and free from this man.

Losingme · 07/07/2018 19:47

Hi everyone,
I’m so sorry if I made anyone worry. I’m still here, in the same position. It got worse the other day, he actually punched me, just above the neck behind my ear. He said it didn’t count as a punch because it wasn’t directly in my face. At the time he did it, he was “sorry”. It’s been less then a week later and when he got drunk he told me I deserved it and it should have been harder.
He’s now playing mind games and telling me he wants to leave but he will only do this when he knows I’m financially stable. He knows I won’t be. Just another mind game. I hate him so much. I told him my finances were my business and that I would be fine but he screams at me saying he needs to know his kids are well looked after, I know, what a joke.
So I’m now at the position where I can take a year out of uni or drop it completely. But then have no job and the kids love this house and so do I. I just want him to leave. I have no way of saving money it’s just not a possibility.
I’m sorry I’m still here and I’m sorry if you feel like I don’t take your advice on board. Thank you to you all x

OP posts:
43percentburnt · 07/07/2018 19:56

He won’t leave of his own accord. He doesn’t want to.

You can get him to leave by reporting him post attack. The police would remove him and you could apply for a non molestation order.

You could apply for housing benefit and may be entitled to financial hardship funding through the uni.

He is not going to get better. He has a drink problem and is an abusive arsehole.

What is keeping you there? I know finances are worrying but this man may kill you. What else worries you about leaving him?

43percentburnt · 07/07/2018 20:00

rightsofwomen.org.uk/frequently-asked-questions/advice-line/

www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/getting-an-injunction/

What do you want to happen next?

We can help point you in the right direction.

zebrano · 07/07/2018 20:06

Please don't stay for a house. There are other houses. My mum was in your position when I was a child and I can't help but resent her for putting a house above my wellbeing. Being exposed to an abusive alcoholic father has left me with issues into adulthood - people pleasing, codependency etc. This is what will happen to your children too. Please get out, do it for them.

Allthewaves · 07/07/2018 20:09

It's a house. The kids don't love it. They will love living anywhere without the constant threat of their fathers drinking and abuse. Stop minimising and making excuses for him. He's awful and you deserve so much better.

ShouldofWouldofCouldof · 07/07/2018 20:10

You can do it op. I know it is hard. My ex was a violent drunk luckily though we did not have kids, so i understand your situation is different. But you need to leave. First ou need to report him for assault he has hit you with a shoe and punched you? You are right kids are not stupid you need to protect them.and yourself. Get all your important documents together (passport driving licence bank staement birth certs council tax bill etc) a bag of clothes for you and the kids and put them.in a safe place you can get to easily incase you need to bolt quickly. What area are you? Call womes aid or search for local groups in your area ( if you have an Android phone you can open an incognito tab on the google web app and it doesnt save your searches). There are people that can help. If you want him to leave call the police.

Writersblock2 · 07/07/2018 20:12

Please do what you need to. My dad was a drunk and the one thing I wish I could change about my childhood was that my mum had found the strength to leave.

Cismyass · 07/07/2018 20:15

Flowers There is a better life out there for you and your DC.

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