I split with my ex a few months ago (he decided we were polyamorous all of a sudden and began a relationship with someone else). We have 3 DCs under 7, one with SEN. Because I was a SAHM I have no savings or earnings and so until I can get a council property or get things legally settled I am stuck living with him.
He refuses to leave. He is constantly shouting and swearing at me, even when I start crying or refuse to engage. I am on antidepressants because of this situation. I have nowhere to go with the DCs and just cannot cope anymore. He is a bully, but refuses to see it and accuses me of being controlling and abusive. He refused to end the relationship for months, and now he's hellbent on 50/50 custody even though he works and commutes 50-60 hours a week, and sometimes has to work away.
What can I do? I have a solicitor's appointment next week, and counselling, but I just don't see how I'm going to be able to cope living with him. He wants mediation but he is also trying to control how I think (trying to plant doubts about solicitor's capabilities, telling me what I need to say to mine, telling me I won't be able to cope on my own). It's virtually impossible to prove emotional abuse, and I know if the police did get involved he'd say I was the abusive one and an unfit mother.
I am so desperately unhappy.