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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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I need to talk about this

366 replies

Lostandscared1 · 31/08/2025 20:32

Basically what the title says. And I’m posting in AIBU for traffic.

i am very nervous to post this

35F, he is 32M. We do not live together. I have children from previous relationship and he has not met them - important info.

I am in an abusive relationship. There is no question or doubt about it. We have been together for coming up to a year, yes I know it has not been long. I had rose tinted glasses on up until April/May time this year and I have tried to end the relationship a few times.

i need to tell someone, anyone about what happened this morning. I had stayed at his this weekend whilst my children were with exDP. We had actually had quite a nice weekend up until late last night where we got home from a date night I had organised where suddenly the cheating claims came out etc etc etc. This morning it kicked off again as I tried to express my hurt calmly about something and he just hit the roof and told me to get the fuck out of his house so, I proceeded to do so by getting myself ready, packed my things and went downstairs to say goodbye I shall be leaving now. He went absolutely insane, and I mean insane. He was screaming at the top of his voice against the fireplace wall, punched himself in the head and proceeded to scream at me, in my face calling me all the names under the sun and he ran into the kitchen where the back door is to exit so I could leave and he picked up a knife. When I tell you I was scared, I was terrified so I rushed to unlock the back door to escape. He proceeded to hold the knife against his own wrists and scream at me im going to slit my wrists and your going to watch me die. I obviously begged and pleaded with him not to do that, knife still in his hand and he was shouting that nothing would satisfy him more knowing that he dies and I watched him. He then held the knife in the air so I ran back to the back door and he screamed at me to shut it and I said no, he slammed the knife down and said shut the door so I did. He was screaming at me that I drive him to this, I’m narcissistic im evil, all the usual abuse I get almost daily at this point. I was shaking, sobbing, and he went and sat down and then was accusing me of having another boyfriend, that I’ve manipulated every man I’ve been with. Just tearing my character down with false accusations which again is something I’m very used too. He held his fist up to me too before I went upstairs to get changed, and he chased me up the stairs and got in my face to shout at me to tell him what I was saying to his face.

i physically cannot leave. I am trapped. After this, he acted like nothing had happened. He was laughing at social media, trying to make jokes whilst I was completely numb all afternoon waiting for the time I can leave to have my children back.

in the times I’ve tried breaking up with him before but I haven’t physically been with him, he’s found me and he’s gone hysterical at me until I’ve changed my mind or he threatens to attack me or come into the place I am and confront me, or he’s gotten into his car and screamed at me where I am until I tell him and then he threatens suicide.

please do not judge please be kind.

i feel like I’m dealing with someone who has a serious split personality disorder. I do not want the police involved, but I do need to leave. I’m working with a therapist currently to understand why I allowed this in the first place. I’m a lot stronger now but the reactions I get terrify me, especially today.

i just needed to get this out and I just need to hear that what I am experiencing is not ok. Apparently I’m the evil bitch.

OP posts:
Tiredandtrying · 31/08/2025 22:44

Police
Women’s aid
urgent non-molestation order
Also check he doesn’t have anything tracking you on your phone.

PollyBell · 31/08/2025 22:44

CarterBeatsTheDevil · 31/08/2025 22:40

What I read were several posts by a woman who is terrified of antagonising a dangerous and abusive man who knows where she lives and didn't know what to do.

Then I read the various posts from people who actually work in DV who have told her that she should not leave or block him without taking professional advice because he is a dangerous and abusive man.

I have no idea what you think you've been reading or where you came up with your "advice" but your starting point seems to be that OP can't be in danger because she doesn't live with him and that, my friend, is bollocks.

Yes but she doesn't live with him she chooses to visit him and deliberately do this to who children, supposedly they haven't met him but she is deliberately putting him before them she is making that choice

CarterBeatsTheDevil · 31/08/2025 22:44

SquishedMallow · 31/08/2025 22:43

I've been in an abusive situation.

You can stop lecturing me right there.

Read her updates. She states she is aware he is controlling, she is aware he is abusive, she then goes on to say she voluntarily met up with him and ended up having a "lovely weekend".

It's an insult to women that literally are trapped.

So have I.

You don't get to define what is or is not an abusive situation. OP's situation does not have to be the same as yours.

Evaka · 31/08/2025 22:45

Change your number tomorrow OP. Call the police tonight and tell them he was off his head threatening you and himself with a knife hours ago.

Chickensky · 31/08/2025 22:45

@Lostandscared1 to your point about being heard, you have been heard, and have some excellent advice on here. Go with the majority of it.

I wanted to add to ignore the posters who simply do not understand your position or have not experienced this. Unfortunately to them it seems like you are wanting a man, drama or that it is a simple choice. They do not understand that fact the abuser doesn't announce themselves on day 1, the slow increase in negativity to the love bombing, guilt tripping, eroding of self esteem etc to the very serious situation you have experienced this weekend which you are quite rightly understanding you need to escape from but not sure how to do so safely.

Focus on the practical steps suggested which you have already acknowledged (calling the police). You have made a big first step posting here please keep going and keep yourself and your family safe.

THEDEACON · 31/08/2025 22:45

Laxonaweekend · 31/08/2025 20:41

Cool

then change settings on iPhone so blocks withheld numbers
call police for any whiff of a threat
Shrug if he threatens suicide
dont get in another relationship for the foreseeable

Edited

This As of now hes your ex block and move on if he harasses you involve the Police

lifeisgoodrightnow · 31/08/2025 22:46

Bollocks

PearlClutzsche · 31/08/2025 22:49

Haven’t RTFT so sorry if I’m repeating stuff others have said.

This will escalate. It always escalates. He will become increasingly physically violent. This man is just like my daughter’s ex: going insane, threatening to kill himself, screaming at her, controlling, trying to isolate her from friends and family. Then violence creeping in slowly. Took a while to extricate herself.

You are not trapped. You can leave. LEAVE! He will not kill himself. If he did it’s on him, not you. Block him everywhere, change locks, involve police, seek help from organisations and friends.

If you don’t, far far worse is to come. Stay strong.

Squigglydums · 31/08/2025 22:49

OP is there anyone you can go and stay with? You are in immediate danger. Take all the advice you have received and action it. You CAN do it. You have made one step which is telling us. Now tell people in real life. Tell the police. I would go as far as moving because your safety and the safety of your children is priority but if this isn’t possible you need to get away or keep as safe as possible. No closure no further conversations. This is the point in which you are at the most risk.

SquishedMallow · 31/08/2025 22:51

PollyBell · 31/08/2025 22:44

Yes but she doesn't live with him she chooses to visit him and deliberately do this to who children, supposedly they haven't met him but she is deliberately putting him before them she is making that choice

Exactly.

Unfortunately Mumsnet sees pointing out truths as delete worthy.

Apparently it's ok to wish Donald trump was successfully assassinated though ...

The mind boggles.

Being in an abusive situation is absolutely terrible. Walking into it voluntarily is an insult to those of us that have really been hoodwinked and then utterly trapped. (It's a gut wrenching despair)

The freedom of being able to walk away - and instead of lining up police options and restraining orders when kids are at dads - the op is choosing, yes choosing to go out for a "fun weekend". That's not manipulation or fear. That's choice.

Waiting for Mumsnet to delete for not doing rote counsellor "correct" advice on prescription.

CalmTheFuckDownMargaret · 31/08/2025 22:53

OP, he’s not well in the head. Hes controlling you with violence, threats of self-harm and fear. If he ever does anything to harm himself that is 100% on him and absolutely not on you. No matter how guilty he tries to make you feel, he is a separate entity and you are not responsible for how he chooses to behave. Nobody can make him harm himself except himself. His lack of control of his temper is absolutely shocking. I’d involve the police.

StandFirm · 31/08/2025 22:55

SquishedMallow · 31/08/2025 22:41

Why did you go for the "lovely weekend" with him then once the kids were at dads?

Whatever the reason OP decided to see him that weekend is neither here nor there. 100% of the situation is on the abuser, not her.
Sorry but to me it's a bit like 'why did you wear that skirt and got drunk the night you got raped'.

SquishedMallow · 31/08/2025 22:57

StandFirm · 31/08/2025 22:55

Whatever the reason OP decided to see him that weekend is neither here nor there. 100% of the situation is on the abuser, not her.
Sorry but to me it's a bit like 'why did you wear that skirt and got drunk the night you got raped'.

If the rapist told the woman he was a rapist and she'd witnessed him raping, and then volunteered herself to go on a date with him. That in fact may make things just a little different hey ?

That's your comparable here.

StandFirm · 31/08/2025 22:58

SquishedMallow · 31/08/2025 22:57

If the rapist told the woman he was a rapist and she'd witnessed him raping, and then volunteered herself to go on a date with him. That in fact may make things just a little different hey ?

That's your comparable here.

I disagree. You and I don't know enough about OP to judge anything she's done or failed to do. What matters is that she is seeking help now on how to extricate herself from the situation.

Lostandscared1 · 31/08/2025 23:02

StandFirm · 31/08/2025 22:55

Whatever the reason OP decided to see him that weekend is neither here nor there. 100% of the situation is on the abuser, not her.
Sorry but to me it's a bit like 'why did you wear that skirt and got drunk the night you got raped'.

Thank you.

i do not need to justify anything to anyone as to why “I had a nice weekend” with him.

he is extremely manipulative and controlling. Dare I say to him, sorry but I won’t be staying with you this weekend. It has not felt safe to do so, because when I have it erupts.

thank you for everyone’s really lovely and empowering comments. To those who have only harsh comments to add, assuming I want drama and I’m choosing this, you are wrong.

i am terrified. This man has psychologically abused me and tormented me for months. My post does not even begin to scrape the surface, and I HAVE kept my children away, I HAVE tried to break the relationship off, I HAVE blocked him previously, I HAVE stood my ground in so many situations. I refuse to let him break me. I will never ever let this man into my children’s lives, ever. But no one, and I mean no one will understand who I am dealing with because no one can compare one abusive situation to the next.

like I said, I came on here essentially for a hand hold because I’m not stupid, I know what I need to do and it seriously escalated again and I never expected a knife to be picked up, and this was from me saying “look I need some space so il be on my way”

please, stop judging. Stop being cruel. I will not accept nor acknowledge unfair and unkind comments on here. I do not accept them from him, I won’t accept them from anyone else. Again, thank you to everyone else your words and advice mean a lot. I will post an update when I am ready x

OP posts:
Sharkpenis · 31/08/2025 23:04

I really hope you're OK OP. Im glad mumsnet are deleting a lot of these awful comments. I cant believe some of these comments here, they're vile.

No one should be blaming you. I really hope you can reach out for support. Dont let those comments put you off getting some help, the vast majority of people don't think like that.

Youve done amazing to reach out, you've safeguarded your children. And are continuing to by getting support and knowing you need to get out.

StandFirm · 31/08/2025 23:04

Lostandscared1 · 31/08/2025 23:02

Thank you.

i do not need to justify anything to anyone as to why “I had a nice weekend” with him.

he is extremely manipulative and controlling. Dare I say to him, sorry but I won’t be staying with you this weekend. It has not felt safe to do so, because when I have it erupts.

thank you for everyone’s really lovely and empowering comments. To those who have only harsh comments to add, assuming I want drama and I’m choosing this, you are wrong.

i am terrified. This man has psychologically abused me and tormented me for months. My post does not even begin to scrape the surface, and I HAVE kept my children away, I HAVE tried to break the relationship off, I HAVE blocked him previously, I HAVE stood my ground in so many situations. I refuse to let him break me. I will never ever let this man into my children’s lives, ever. But no one, and I mean no one will understand who I am dealing with because no one can compare one abusive situation to the next.

like I said, I came on here essentially for a hand hold because I’m not stupid, I know what I need to do and it seriously escalated again and I never expected a knife to be picked up, and this was from me saying “look I need some space so il be on my way”

please, stop judging. Stop being cruel. I will not accept nor acknowledge unfair and unkind comments on here. I do not accept them from him, I won’t accept them from anyone else. Again, thank you to everyone else your words and advice mean a lot. I will post an update when I am ready x

Stay strong. We're rooting for you. You will find help and get rid of the bastard. Don't lose hope.

Brunettesmorefun · 31/08/2025 23:11

StandFirm · 31/08/2025 22:55

Whatever the reason OP decided to see him that weekend is neither here nor there. 100% of the situation is on the abuser, not her.
Sorry but to me it's a bit like 'why did you wear that skirt and got drunk the night you got raped'.

I can’t believe you are serious. If she hadn’t gone to see him the whole drama would never have happened. She needs to:
a. Stay away from him and
b. Inform the police

If I were the children’s father or grandparents I would alerting social services.

Ratafia · 31/08/2025 23:14

Lostandscared1 · 31/08/2025 20:37

I am home, with my children and I am
safe. I’ve blocked him in the past and he ends up calling me from a withheld number constantly until I answer

Just turn off your phone when he does that.

Jollyhockeystickss · 31/08/2025 23:14

Just ignore him, put your children first and stop answering the phone, we had a great weekend!!! Is a bad weekend you ending up dead?

SquishedMallow · 31/08/2025 23:14

Brunettesmorefun · 31/08/2025 23:11

I can’t believe you are serious. If she hadn’t gone to see him the whole drama would never have happened. She needs to:
a. Stay away from him and
b. Inform the police

If I were the children’s father or grandparents I would alerting social services.

I agree.

But it seems as though that opinion is not the prescription one that we're meant to give.

Hence deletions for pointing out reasonable things.

It seems an echo chamber is wanted on here.

Imbusytodaysorry · 31/08/2025 23:15

@Lostandscared1 did you call women’s aid ?
can ask are you in Scotland ?

Op this seems and is terrifying but these men thrive on you keeping quiet . As soon as the police are involved and they are at risk of people knowing the real then and then a jail sentence most back down .
Please call women’s aid . Speaks to your doctor and then get yourself to the police .

If you feel around enough to go to the police straight away you are putting barriers between you and his abuse. The sooner the better .

Then change your number and get a ring door bell and dash cam.

andfinallyhereweare · 31/08/2025 23:15

Does he know where you live/work? Can you change your number? Move? It takes abused partners on average 6 times to Leave, you are not stupid. This isn’t your fault. But please please leave. For your children, find a way to leave.

HyggeTygge · 31/08/2025 23:16

like I said, I came on here essentially for a hand hold because I’m not stupid, I know what I need to do and it seriously escalated again and I never expected a knife to be picked up, and this was from me saying “look I need some space so il be on my way”

I know it's hard to actually accept - to the point of believing it - that a physically abusive, angry and volatile man will escalate - but it is the one thing that's been repeated on MN for decades, so I imagine posters are frustrated that it's happened again.

What might be helpful to elicit practical advice is to give more examples of what he's done when you've tried to leave? (Also might help you to put it down to refer back to!)

Shegotanology · 31/08/2025 23:18

There will always be victim-blaming, it comes with the territory. Everyone thinks they know how they would react in a similar situation. People severely underestimate how stress, fear, shock, or trauma can affect decision-making in real time.