Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

How should I have handled this?

356 replies

Squished · 22/08/2010 23:38

This looks terrible written down in black and white. It wasn't as clear and obvious this morning. I wonder if I'm misinterpreting or misreading somehow. I need some perspective, although the way I've written it, I'm not sure what other perspective there could be.

This morning, DH brought DD upstairs into our bed as he and she were both awake before me. He gave her a sticker book to play with, and then sat back down at his computer. After a while, he decided it was time I got up (I was awake, but I still had my eyes closed, it wasn't that late, about 8 I think). So he told me that DD's feed was about to run out (she's on a supplemental feed through a gastrostomy atm) and I should go and get some more ready. I didn't move straight away so he said to DD, "I'll give mummy a cuddle, that'll make her get up". He lay down on top of me and basically started touching me and getting himself off. I asked him twice to stop and he ignored me, pushed his knee between my legs to get closer. I asked him to let me up and he said "DD isn't even looking". Obviously, at the sound of her name, she did look, and he told her (in a jokey way) to look away.

None of this was said nastily. He was smiling and acting normally. I didn't raise my voice or physically try to fight him off because of DD. I even wonder if that might be one reason why he brought her upstairs - because he knew I wouldn't fight in front of her? I've let her down so much. Between us, DH and I have basically taught her that no doesn't really mean no, stop means keep going.

This isn't normal, is it? Or am I overreacting?

He's been acting totally normal all day. I've been feeling more and more crappy as the day has gone on. I didn't even open my eyes this morning. I might as well have been a blow up doll.

What should I have have done to protect DD?

I'm not sure when I will be able to reply (it's taken me all day to write this), but I will be back when I can.

OP posts:
ElephantsAndMiasmas · 23/08/2010 17:03

I know AnakisT - maybe tomorrow he won't bother to take DD into the OP's room, she's learnt what cuddles are now, he can stay in her room :( It's horrible having to think like this.

I could howl at the whole situation.

swallowedAfly · 23/08/2010 17:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

greenscarf · 23/08/2010 17:03

And that is my point swallowedAfly. Thanks!

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 23/08/2010 17:04

Yeah but saF it's unlikely that MNHQ have enough info to track her down, and the end result could be that she's scared off from her means of support, and the police are no nearer knowing who she is.

loopyloops · 23/08/2010 17:06

I wholeheartedly believe that Squished is together and strong enough to do this without MNHQ having to get involved.

Are you there Squished? Am I right?

maduggar · 23/08/2010 17:07

QS your post is chillingly true :(

Tippychoocks · 23/08/2010 17:08

squished, could you let someone here know the name of the insurance company and let them phone to ask the questions hypothetically? Am sure there are lots of us who don't mind being pushy on the phone and it could get some answers for you.

It sounds so horrible, please consider contacting a women's refuge. Do you have any money? Could you book a week in a B&B or similar to get away while you confront him? Maybe pay in advance on a credit card and withdraw some cash too?

Squished · 23/08/2010 17:10

Loopy thank you, I appreciate that offer, I really do. I have to stay close to the hospital, so I can't just leave for a few ddays. If neccessary, I can go to my parents' though.

Thank you all so much for your kindness.

OP posts:
booyhoo · 23/08/2010 17:11

oh god that is so right about him showing dd what a cuddle is so she knows what to do when he tries it on her, as in lets cuddle just like me and mummy do. and she would know to just let it happen because that is what OP did.

this is terrifying me the more i read.

booyhoo · 23/08/2010 17:12

please do go to your parents' house squished. you don't even have to tell them why. just go.

loopyloops · 23/08/2010 17:12

Go to your parents then. Today. And tell them what has been going on, that way it will be firm in your mind that there's no going back. Where roughly in the country are you? I'm in Worcestershire if that is close enough?

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 23/08/2010 17:13

Hope you're okay Squished Sad

wouldliketoknow · 23/08/2010 17:13

squished, would it be possible to have a word with a doctor in the hospital? they are bound in confidentiality, and they will know how best help, as they know your circunstances...

loopyloops · 23/08/2010 17:13

And are you ok?

Oh, and "if necessary". It is. It definitely is. Go.

malinkey · 23/08/2010 17:15

I think this is the worst thing I've ever read on MN. Sad

Squished, I cannot imagine what you are going through and the worry about your DD being ill seems to be stopping you getting her/them/you out of this horrible situation. But for your DD to be witness to what you have described is stomach churning. You cannot stay with this vile man because of the health insurance.

sorrento56 · 23/08/2010 17:16

It IS necessary that you go to your parents and go NOW.

Xales · 23/08/2010 17:16

I used to listen as my step-father raped my mother in the next room. I used to see the bruises and wounds on her face that needed stitches and left scars.

I never saw him do it but that doesn't mean from a young age I didn't know what he was doing.

You husband isn't even doing it in the next room ffs!!!!!

I won't tell you what he did to me from the age of 8 until I was old enough and strong enough to get away.

Your daughter needs protecting from this vile abusive man. You are the only person who can do this.

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 23/08/2010 17:16

Ah OP, what a time you are having. It's not fair that everything is happening at once. But if you get away from H, your pressures will ease rather than getting worse. You'll be able to breathe freely and sleep in your own bed without abuse.

Are you worried about your DD WRT husband now?

loopyloops · 23/08/2010 17:17

Xales :(

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 23/08/2010 17:17

Oh Xales :( so sorry

Tippychoocks · 23/08/2010 17:18

Squished, also try to take a few things with you to your parents or wherever you go to make getting answers easier. Passports, any info you do have about the medical insurance, any paperwork you might need. Bank and mortgage stuff.

Xales · 23/08/2010 17:20

Thank you but don't feel bad for me. I know it was him not me. I am strong and got away. I have posted on here before regarding my past.

I just hope sometimes it is strong enough a message to help an OP or give them thought to help a child who may not be strong enough to survive and shouldn't have to!

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 23/08/2010 17:20

Xales Sad

booyhoo · 23/08/2010 17:21

Sad xales. so sorry, although i do appreciate you posting, however hard as it may help OP, and any others reading to take that first step to stop the abuse.

wouldliketoknow · 23/08/2010 17:21

xales, it is great that you are willing to help others probing you can get away.... i hope you are ok now