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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Court awarded ‘no third party allowed’ to abusive ex

10 replies

orangeleopard · 14/07/2024 22:51

In court my abusive (and suspected NPD) ex essentially managed to manipulate everyone to get what he wanted. I asked for a third party for my own protection to do the handovers. Ex told them that he ONLY wanted to see me, which should have been a red flag as he only wanted to see me to further abuse and control me. Courts granted his request and put ‘NO THIRD PARTY ALLOWED’. Baffling that they enabled him for no reason.

They also ordered that I have to be in communication with him to keep him updated regarding our son. This same man that I fled during pregnancy due to abuse. The same man that during pregnancy I was in fear every day for 9 months as he was threatening to kill me, to have me ‘jumped’, set me on fire and told me ‘to say goodbye’ to my child whilst he was still in my stomach.

Im five years out and he communicates with me and harasses me if I don’t respond. I don’t want to communicate with him anymore. He tries to start ‘arguments’ by doing what he does best and gaslights me. He randomly tells me that he ‘never abused me’ and that I’m making it up, or starts about our son threatening that he’s going to phone the school as he’s basically ashamed our sons speech is lacking (it’s been explained to him our son has potential autism/adhd which is going through the correct channels).

im being essentially stalked as each time I'm seen in public, one of his family or friends photographs me and my ex tells me he knows exactly who I was with and where I was - then proceeds to start on me for example because my son was wearing a football shirt with the ‘wrong’ name on. (First part of his double barrelled name).

theres so much that I haven’t gone into detail about, but I truly cannot fathom how family courts enable abusers to further their victims. If you have a child with your abuser - you’ll never get justice, they’re constantly able to mistreat you and even if they don’t - even with past trauma you’re expected to put up with it because you have a child with them. I’m exhausted, I honestly am so depressed and have severe ptsd and anxiety because of it and I cannot heal because I don’t have the space to get away from him to do so. Everytime I see him or get a message from him - I panic, it ruins my day yet I have to put on a ‘brave’ face and deal with it because ‘no third party allowed’ disallows me to get support.

OP posts:
cupcaske123 · 14/07/2024 22:59

Can you phone Rights of Women for legal advice?

Tell your ex you're only communicating via email regarding the children and block him on your phone and set up an email address. Don't get into arguments or discussions, remain calm and keep him informed about your child.

Don't let him come to your property, drop the children off at a neutral location and meet him there.

Write down any harassment, keep a diary.

Get a ring doorbell that records.

Get in contact with your local domestic abuse organisation for advice.

GoneFishingToday · 14/07/2024 23:18

OMG! I am SO sorry to hear what this man, and the Courts have put you through OP. Thankfully I have no experience of anything like this, for which I am extremely grateful, but I desperately hope that someone will come along who can help you. What you are being subjected to is wrong beyond belief!

One thing I would suggest, and it may not get you anywhere, but it might be worth contacting your new MP, and asking for their help, this is all part of their job, and they may be able to point you in the direction of the right sort of help. It's just a thought, but the only advice I can offer right now.

Stay strong, you've obviously come a long way, so don't let this bastard beat you now! Sending a big hug your way.

WhamBamThankU · 14/07/2024 23:23

Use a parenting app like talking parents. All logged, can't be deleted and can be used in court if needed.

Noseybookworm · 14/07/2024 23:53

Agree with pp to set up an email address and block him on all other channels. Only communicate with him about your child factually and ignore all attempts to draw you into arguments. Get a ring doorbell and keep records of any abusive/threatening behaviour. Report it to the police too. Can you get support from Women's Aid, they may be able to give you advice about challenging the courts decision? Can you ask a family member to be at your home when he picks up/drops off? That's not 3rd party involvement if they're just in the background and not involved in the handover.

LittleOwl153 · 15/07/2024 00:09

Use a Parenting App... like talking parents. Only communicate through that. Use one you can use that in court if need be. Mute him on your phone unless he has your child - leaving him unblocked allows you to record the level of harassment.

Once you've set up the app, send him the links and with it a message that this is the ONLY way you will communicate with him from now on.

Where do handovers take place? As I assume.your child is at least 5, can you make it somewhere you can keep your distance and send your child to him and then walk away?

If you do not feel safe handing over alone, then he nor a court can stop someone being with you in a public place or your home.

I have a feeling you're going to gave yo play the long game here to get him to trip himself up.

EurJumper · 15/07/2024 00:10

I'm so sorry. Something very similar happened to my sister. I wish I could tell you it got better. Just wanted you to know that you're not alone.

OurChristmasMiracle · 15/07/2024 00:11

I second the using a parenting app. It’s all logged that way. Change your phone number and block on all social media. Delete anyone who he may have contact with and then change the name you use on social media (in case he tries to create a second account to stalk you)

whilst the court may have said no third party allowed you can ensure it is somewhere very public and neutral- somewhere that you are familiar with though and can leave safely if needed. Maybe close to a police station/a friends/your parents?

i am so sorry you are going through this.

Jamazon1 · 15/07/2024 07:09

As above, great advice. Please get local help and support through any women's advice centres. They will have experience with these scenarios and it sounds like it would help you to chat with someone.

dollopz · 15/07/2024 07:15

Have you kept a running log of the incidents and routinely reported them to the police?

Yes womens aid for advice.

dollopz · 15/07/2024 07:18

Handover outside of the local police station? Or somewhere with cameras, the entrance to a supermarket?

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