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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is this domestic abuse and what should I do?

125 replies

Feelingvulnerable1992 · 28/07/2023 17:47

My partner has a temper and is very opinionated. He has lost his job for the second time now, and a new employer during an interview asked if he is aware he clashes with people. He has never liked my mum, often jealous of our close relationship and the fact that I see her most days. He also used to gamble but has promised me he no longer does, he sought help for his temper and is on anti depressents and a wait list (2 years!) for an Asperger’s / mental health assessment.

long story short, he lost some important documents I’m not sure if they relate to gambling but he has used them for previous jobs. So he woke in a foul mood despite being really nice to be around the past few weeks on his new meds. When I came home (I had to get my car MOT because he doesn’t drive as yet) he had dressed our children in tracksuits. I only made a casual comment about ‘why have you put them in that for it’s sunny out!’ And he was so angry at me, he can’t take criticism it was just a passing comment. My mum was over and when she arrived she said the same thing oh he needs a t shirt on then she heard him going on and on at me that he had checked the weather and it wasn’t going to be warm later and basically going at me because of my mum saying it too. She came in the front room and said what’s wrong? I wasn’t blaming anyone just said he needs a t shirt and that’s when he exploded. Oh here she is getting herself involved again!! I’m his dad ! Keep your nose out of it!! She was so taken aback as had said it nicely to try help as could tell his in a foul mood. He shouted abuse at her and naturally she defended herself. It ended up with him calling her an interfering c*nt, making my children cry as he doesn’t just shout he was roaring. He threw my sons cup at my mum during the ‘row’ which smashed and luckily wasn’t glass. He then broke my phone charger and made a hole in the wall. I called his dad to ask to get him but he couldn’t so his mum then called me on what’s app and heard him going crazy. She was so upset saying calm down, please speak to me etc he refused to and said he won’t speak to his dad either as he doesn’t listen.

anyway I’ve text his parents since as I’ve removed myself and my children from the situation and staying at my mums. This isn’t the first time he has exploded and his temper is uncontrollable. His mother hasn’t replied to any of my texts addressing what his done wrong, she did call on what’s app saying sorry hope you are ok etc she is not sure what’s happening (as I said he needs help) how he was behaving it was like he should have been sectioned.

I’ve told him before if he ever disrespects my mum again it is over , my mum isn’t perfect but she did nothing wrong at all. Sometimes she does get involved with her opinion when maybe she could have left it but that’s the way she is and he knows that. He does hateful things like my mum cleans my cooker hob for me and asked my partner to not leave things on top of it and he then proceeds to make sure he always leaves things on it.

anyway I haven’t kept his short really but I know his parents are aware of his temper as he has been in trouble with it in the past and they aren’t replying to me as don’t want to risk not seeing their gran kids if we split up. So I know they will not be any support to me if anything was to happen.

ive Looked into domestic abuse, as he has smashed things in my home before, snatched my phone, threw a towel at me in his temper; grabbed my throat. All prior to having children and seeking support for his temper which I believe he had changed.

as I said he can be really nice and a great partner and dad but he has this temper issue.

it hasn’t crept up again until now and I know I can’t allow it in front of my children. If he reacts like this over losing a few documents how would he react in a real crisis? I also don’t want to kick him out and then he say it’s his word against mine etc. my main priority are my children and his mother would love to get a hand on my kids she is so controlling. She has already made sure her nephews children are with him and not the mother - she plays the system etc. so I want to make sure if anything did happen that I gave evidence. Is there anyone who could help me how to do this legally?

i love this man. I am hoping maybe he realises he has caused so much pain over nothing and that he has really upset his young children seeing him like this. I hope he seeks help or his parents get him help and he can learn to control his temper and be the lovely man I love and know and not have anymore of these break downs. I also know that this may not happen as most abusers blame rather than feel guilt etc. if he ever does anything like this again it’s over for my kids sake, although I know I’ve said this last time he verbally abused me and my mum. So I don’t want to be this weak woman who never leaves.

I also don’t want to just walk away without legal advice with my kids. And I also still really pray that maybe he can get the right help and be the lovely partner who I love when he isn’t in a temper. TIa please no judgey comments xx

OP posts:
Chickenkeev · 28/07/2023 17:51

He is nasty. He likely won't be able to chage this aspect of himself. You decide.

Picoloangel · 28/07/2023 17:53

It’s absolutely domestic abuse. You need help and support and you need to remove yourself and your children. You can apply for an order to keep him away and even to stop him coming home if needs be.

You have given him opportunities to change. Unfortunately I don’t think he will. I’m so sorry this is happening to you. I’m

Thedogscollar · 28/07/2023 17:58

This is domestic abuse emotional abuse and physical abuse.
You need to get him out or you and the kids leave. This sounds like it's been going on for some time and he perhaps apologises and the cycle continues.

Can you honestly see a future with this man. He can't even hold down a job due to his temper. I'd be putting my children first. Please don't expose them to any more of this man's abhorrent behaviour.

EvilElsa · 28/07/2023 18:04

Fucking hell OP 😔. You need to get rid of him. He is abusive and unpredictable and can't control himself. It's not safe for any of you to be with him.

Wenfy · 28/07/2023 18:09

Is he like this all the time? If he is then the writing’s on the wall. You must leave for yours and your children’s safety. But if this was a one off then you need to sit down and properly talk this through with him.

I get it. DH was like this. It took me giving it to him with both guns during an argument (something I rarely do) for him to realise what he was doing was toxic. He now walks away when he’s angry & we discuss things when he’s calmer.

Pixiedust1234 · 28/07/2023 18:09

threw my sons cup at my mum during the ‘row’ which smashed and luckily wasn’t glass. He then broke my phone charger and made a hole in the wall,

You should have called the police, not his dad. No amount of meds will change him.

You and your mum can still make a police report but If you feel you can't then please contact women's aid for advice. He's already strangled you once before.

Pixiedust1234 · 28/07/2023 18:11

Wenfy · 28/07/2023 18:09

Is he like this all the time? If he is then the writing’s on the wall. You must leave for yours and your children’s safety. But if this was a one off then you need to sit down and properly talk this through with him.

I get it. DH was like this. It took me giving it to him with both guns during an argument (something I rarely do) for him to realise what he was doing was toxic. He now walks away when he’s angry & we discuss things when he’s calmer.

Nearer the end she wrote this. He's strangled her previously.

he has smashed things in my home before, snatched my phone, threw a towel at me in his temper; grabbed my throat. All prior to having children and seeking support for his temper

Justleaveitblankthen · 28/07/2023 18:12

"If he ever does this again"?!
So, this wasn't enough for you to leave the vile and nasty bullying brute? 😔

Duckafuk · 28/07/2023 18:13

Its all abuse, but one oart made my blood run cold
" he grabbed my throat"

Feelingvulnerable1992 · 28/07/2023 18:16

No not all the time or I would have left a long time ago. These big arguments have happened a few times before. However as I said he can be amazing too! That’s why it’s so hard. But during a row or when he sees red it’s unpredictable and he has no self control lashes out at things etc. he has pushed me onto the bed before. I know I sound like these weak women who stay in abusive relationships but it hasn’t happened for so long and I really thought he had changed since speaking to the doctor and getting medication. He has been so much more pleasant to live with lately. Then bam! He loses these documents and we are all at the brunt of it, especially my mum who he has never really liked etc. it’s so hard for me, I want him to be really remorseful and go to see a private psychiatrist and not wait 2 years and get proper help. Rather than just give up. But only he can want to change and if he doesn’t think his wrong etc what’s the point. So lost right now x

OP posts:
Bb234 · 28/07/2023 18:17

What will you do when the next time he looses his temper he hurts your children? You should have ended it the day he grabbed you by the throat.
He will deffo hurt your children

BounceyB · 28/07/2023 18:17

All of it is abuse.

ThreeLittleDots · 28/07/2023 18:20

This was the final straw then. You & mum need to make a police report.

Chickenkeev · 28/07/2023 18:23

Feelingvulnerable1992 · 28/07/2023 18:16

No not all the time or I would have left a long time ago. These big arguments have happened a few times before. However as I said he can be amazing too! That’s why it’s so hard. But during a row or when he sees red it’s unpredictable and he has no self control lashes out at things etc. he has pushed me onto the bed before. I know I sound like these weak women who stay in abusive relationships but it hasn’t happened for so long and I really thought he had changed since speaking to the doctor and getting medication. He has been so much more pleasant to live with lately. Then bam! He loses these documents and we are all at the brunt of it, especially my mum who he has never really liked etc. it’s so hard for me, I want him to be really remorseful and go to see a private psychiatrist and not wait 2 years and get proper help. Rather than just give up. But only he can want to change and if he doesn’t think his wrong etc what’s the point. So lost right now x

That's the thing though, they're always 'good' some of the time. That's how they reel you in in the first place. You need out and the Freedom Programme, you're not seeing what a difficult spot you're in here. This man is no good for you, nor will he ever be. A good partner is someone who you want to come home to, who you're not afraid of, who listens to you and dries your tears. This man is none of those things and i really don't think he is capable of that from what i've read.

porridgeisbae · 28/07/2023 18:24

Of course it's abuse OP, of you and your poor mum.

He tried to throw something at her. :o

monsteramunch · 28/07/2023 18:26

Men who put their hands around their female partners throat in anger are statistically 6 - 7 more times likely to murder them.

It is such a strong indicator of future violence that non-fatal strangulation was made a specific offence in recent domestic abuse act changes.

This man is capable of killing you. Even the presence of a third party (your mum) hasn't stopped him being physically violent. He feels that entitled and that emboldened that he believes he can verbally assault and physically intimidate your mother, in front of you and your children, and it still won't be enough for you to unequivocally end the relationship permanently.

You need to speak to women's aid, get their advice on how to exit this relationship as safely as possible and do what they tell you to do which will include reporting his behaviour to the police and likely going for a non mol order.

If you don't end this relationship, you are not acting in the best interests of your children. That sounds harsh but it's the truth and hopefully will help fuel your determination.

Thegoodbadandugly · 28/07/2023 18:29

Please remove yourself and your children from the relationship, it's really not a nice environment for your children to grow up in, they will end up with mental health issues, so even if you don't want to leave for yourself leave for the sake of your children.

AskAgathaIfSheWantsACupOfTea · 28/07/2023 18:32

Abuse.

the strangulation is a huge red flag too. I
global research has shown it’s a precursor to murder in situations with intimate partner violence.

it’s also illegal in England

“Use of non-fatal strangulation increases seven-fold the risk of being killed by a perpetrator and can often cause internal injury as well as the obvious terror since it can imply a threat to kill”

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-bill-2020-factsheets/strangulation-and-suffocation

Strangulation and suffocation

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/domestic-abuse-bill-2020-factsheets/strangulation-and-suffocation

AnxiousFairyQueen · 28/07/2023 18:32

Yes he’s abusive but why oh why is Asperger’s and aggression constantly linked on here?? He probably has narcissistic personality disorder - not Asperger’s.

It makes me so sad for my DS who’s the most gentle boy you could meet.

MummyVL · 28/07/2023 18:42

Stay in your safe space at your mums with your babies, he needs help and it isnt safe for you to try and fix him. Best wishes ❤️

OhcantthInkofaname · 28/07/2023 18:44

And you love him why? He's a vile nasty human being. You need to keep him away from your children. Which you shouldn't have had since you knew about this part of his personality. And no I'm not going to be nice. Protect yourself and your children now.

BevCallardsMerkin · 28/07/2023 18:55

Feelingvulnerable1992 · 28/07/2023 18:16

No not all the time or I would have left a long time ago. These big arguments have happened a few times before. However as I said he can be amazing too! That’s why it’s so hard. But during a row or when he sees red it’s unpredictable and he has no self control lashes out at things etc. he has pushed me onto the bed before. I know I sound like these weak women who stay in abusive relationships but it hasn’t happened for so long and I really thought he had changed since speaking to the doctor and getting medication. He has been so much more pleasant to live with lately. Then bam! He loses these documents and we are all at the brunt of it, especially my mum who he has never really liked etc. it’s so hard for me, I want him to be really remorseful and go to see a private psychiatrist and not wait 2 years and get proper help. Rather than just give up. But only he can want to change and if he doesn’t think his wrong etc what’s the point. So lost right now x

Women who stay in abusive relationships aren't weak, they just have a skewed idea of what normal is.

You can't justify the behaviour your partner has shown, on this occasion and previously. He's also essentially assaulted your mother. Do you want to teach your kids that what he's doing is ok? It's not. Leave him, he won't change.

alexdgr8 · 28/07/2023 19:03

OP you probably didn't have the time to watch,
murder in the family,
itv 9pm last night.
she loved him too.

ChesterAndRaoul · 28/07/2023 19:08

Feelingvulnerable1992 · 28/07/2023 18:16

No not all the time or I would have left a long time ago. These big arguments have happened a few times before. However as I said he can be amazing too! That’s why it’s so hard. But during a row or when he sees red it’s unpredictable and he has no self control lashes out at things etc. he has pushed me onto the bed before. I know I sound like these weak women who stay in abusive relationships but it hasn’t happened for so long and I really thought he had changed since speaking to the doctor and getting medication. He has been so much more pleasant to live with lately. Then bam! He loses these documents and we are all at the brunt of it, especially my mum who he has never really liked etc. it’s so hard for me, I want him to be really remorseful and go to see a private psychiatrist and not wait 2 years and get proper help. Rather than just give up. But only he can want to change and if he doesn’t think his wrong etc what’s the point. So lost right now x

As one of these "weak women" that has previously been in an abusive relationship for years, you are in an abusive relationship and you are making excuses for him.

I said the same about my ex, he was wonderful sometimes, so much so I thought we were meant to be. If only he would get help with his mental health issues, if only he went to anger management classes, if only this, if only that.

The violence will escalate, he will hurt you, he might hurt your kids, is that a risk you're willing to take just because he's nice to you when he's not angry at you?

You still have a support system in place, I did not, use it now before it is too late.

Also, please do not ask for advice about abuse while calling other women weak, very judgemental and not at all nice. (Or accurate)

Chickenkeev · 28/07/2023 19:15

Can we cop on here please? Calling OP out on her language is not helpful at this particular point in time. Right now, she needs to get out. She can be educated later. And probably, when she does get out, she'll know not to use that language. She's in the hole, lets get her out.