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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

(d)h threatened to hit me

580 replies

itstimmy · 10/10/2010 08:52

Yes I provoked him.

When we met he said he had threatened to hit a gf before. And he said if another lady talked to him in a provoking way he would hit her, as apparently 'women who provoke secretly want to be hit'.

There have been lots of small things over the last 7 years I have wanted to speak to him about, I have, to no avail, he will just cut me off with a threatening look or sarcasum. And there have been a number of big things over the years I have had to keep a lid on when really I wanted to go ballistic with him. This has led to me simmering with resentment and anger at him, I just want to speak out and be heard and for him to actually take some action...but I dare not for this threat.

So yesterday it was a minor incident, I have been 'needling' him about it and making a few snippy comments, and in front of dd which I'm not proud of but I can hardly tell her not to do something when her dad is...it needs both of them to stop and have spoken to both indvidually about it. And I made one last comment yesterday, I was just incredibly pissed off but could not tell him how annoyed I was due to constant threat so made a pointed 'look what has happened, don't do it to the next one' comment and he got up from table and went to other room.

About 15 min later he comes to room where I'm folding clothes and warns me that I nearly got hit. To stop provoking him or I will get hit. He was not threatening me or trying to bully me he was warning me. And that it would hurt (said that a few times) and we have two small children in the house and that he did not want to hit me but I was provoking him into it. He was v scary, as he rarely makes eye contact and he did yesterday. First I tried to put on a I'm not scared leave me alone look but he told me I was provoking him, so I told him in a calmer (upset way, I was scared) why I had done it and it was wrong to have provoked but I had done it because he has been ignoring what I've been saying and I just want him to listen to me. In the end after a few more 'warnings' I asked him to leave, so (cursing myself now) I left the room and went to bathroom (door shut) so quietly cry my heart out, then when he went out drinking last night to do it again. He has left house again for an hour now and I just want to cry again. When he's in room I just start meaningless things like stirring porridge, feel a bit shakey.

I don't know what to do now. Does this mean after 7 years he is going to start to hit me? What will count as 'provoking'? Will going out all the time be provoking as I don't want to be in the same room as him. There have been a number of incidents over the years that have made me want to leave but I think this could take the biscuit.

On another note I don't think he loves or cares for me which is probably also where the provoking comes from...

I feel humiliated and scared. Wish I could threaten to smack him one...but even if I had the advantage I would not.

I know I can be a martyr and annoying but what the hell do I do now? I cannot move on without him actually taking responsibility for his actions in the house without getting so wound up he won't listen to me and then I get wound up and want to vent but can't.

What a mess.

He's back shortly so if I go quiet its for a reason.

And I married him because he reminded me of abusive dad...

Just rechecked this...I think I can see why he wants to hit me...but I just want him to LISTEN. And the provocation is down to that...you know where you just want to go "AAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!!!! DON'T DO THAT!!!!' and then whatever it is gets blown over, no big row, just a quick vent...imagine keeping a lid on that for 7 years...and there have been some whoppers where I wanted to just go completely wild and walk out that I've had to keep a lid on. Am excusing my behaviour now...how the hell do I get him to listen...thanks for reading so far...

OP posts:
Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 09:08

Just wondered if you have a car?

If so:

Ownership docs
Car insurance docs
Service book

We're all here cheering you on Smile

follyfoot · 11/10/2010 09:10

Timmy, only just found this thread, sorry. Been where you are myself, endlessly questioned myself about what I was doing wrong, saying wrong etc to provoke him....but you know what, in a normal relationship that doesnt happen. In a normal relationship we're all allowed to be cross, irritable, worried, have a bad day, week whatever without any fear.

My daughter was about to start school so the same age as yours and I could have written a book full of reasons not to go, but of course the truth is there wasnt a single valid reason to stay.

I left, and you know what, it was absolutely the best thing I've ever done, and the only way to find happiness for yourself and children in the future. I literally danced out of the solicitors when I signed the divorce papers, despite being in a real state when going in.

The practical stuff will be fine, trust me. When push comes to shove, loved ones can astonish you with their kindness. Just plan for the next few days/weeks, not for the next few months/years/financial settlements etc. There's no need yet. And I wouldnt worry in the slightest about searching for the paperwork others are suggesting - its not relevant right now and can make you start worrying about the longer term. Thats a battle for another day. Just take it day by day.

On a practical level though, as has been mentioned, tell the school. Am sure WA will give you great advice and will be able to support you through this, pointing you towards solicitors etc as and when.

If you feel you are wavering and starting to worry whether you are doing the right thing, my DD is 17 now. Despite everything that happened (this thread is about you not us so wont go into details, but it was extreme) she has turned into a confident happy young woman who doesnt tolerate bad treatment towards herself or anyone else. She is pleased we left that night so many years ago and will always say it was the right decision. God knows what state she would be in nowadays if we hadnt gone. So it can turn out really well however desperate it feels right now.

You take care x

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 11/10/2010 09:12

What about marriage certificate? Or copy of?

Photo albums/memory stick with photos.

Laptop if you have one.

Loads of clean underwear - obvious I know but still

Couple of favourite storybooks for the DC.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 09:13

Just re-read. Don't take car stuff if it's his....

Transfer money from joint account to get you through next few days.

Any savings?

battyralphie · 11/10/2010 09:13

Timmy you should think about getting some legal advice too and make an appointment with a solicitor. If you dont know a family law specialist you could try calling citizens advice as I think they can recommend you one. Anyone know about this?

amberlight · 11/10/2010 09:15

Precious photos of children. Anything that is of huge huge sentimental value that you want to see again.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 09:17

Most stuff can be replaced. Just take stuff that can't, or is a real PITA to get again.

Threelittleducks · 11/10/2010 09:18

Go on girl. Cheering you on!

WA are really really good.

They helped my sil a fw months ago and got her a really nice cottage in a lovely area, somewhere where her abusive ex couldn't find them. They moved fairly quickly and got her and dn all set up.
You are a very brave lady indeed. Muchos respect! xx

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 09:19

womens aid number again please

OP posts:
follyfoot · 11/10/2010 09:20

0808 2000 247

AttilaTheMeerkat · 11/10/2010 09:21

timmy,

You must leave this man, he could end up killing you if you were to stay with him.

You had a bad start growing up with an abusive Dad and this in part probably led you into marrying the man you are currently with. You can break this cycle though starting by leaving him. Your DDs will also thank you in the long run for doing so; it will harm them if you stay.

Longer term as well you may also want to enrol in Womens Aid Freedom programme as this could also help you personally.

LilMsUnfortunateAxeIncident · 11/10/2010 09:24

Good work Timmy! You are doing the right thing.

May not seem so at times, but in a surprisingly short time, you will see that it had to be done.

Be strong Timmy, let us know if and how we can help?

DelGirl · 11/10/2010 09:30

sending love & strength. YOu are doing the right thing and are so brave xxx

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 09:34

found drivers licence and insurance, filed would you believe

wa line busy

OP posts:
Pixie83 · 11/10/2010 09:34

Good luck and I really really hope you are out of there by now, or at least on the way.

I wanted to leave my abusive ex for years and never found the strength to do it. Eventually I was forced to leave when neighbours called the police after overhearing things. After the police got me out he trashed our house and everything I owned, and I had to start again with literally nothing other than the clothes I was wearing. It was still worth it, though.

Thinking of you.

warthog · 11/10/2010 09:37

thinking of you timmy. good luck.

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 09:37

do i go now or wait till dd1s lunchtime and pick her up then to make it seem normalish - never pick up at lunchtime. what do i tell her????

OP posts:
Snorbs · 11/10/2010 09:37

Good luck. You're doing the right thing.

Only thing I would add is see if you can get one of your ex's payslips (if he's a salaried employee). It makes the CSA's job a tiny bit easier. Or, failing that, his NI number can also help. But neither are vital. Most important is that you and DDs are safe.

follyfoot · 11/10/2010 09:40

Do whatever is safest for you Timmy. Her life is going to have a bit of upheaval over the next few months anyway so I wouldnt worry too much - a little one's idea of 'normal' is very flexible.

Thinking about you x

Poledra · 11/10/2010 09:41

Can't really help with practicalities but just wanted to say you are doing the right thing - be strong, be the woman you can be without him beating you down. Go and get the life you and your DDs deserve - without fear.

Pixie83 · 11/10/2010 09:42

If you've got everything together just go, go, go. The most important thing is to get out. Don't think about being 'normal', just concentrate on being safe.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 09:44

I agree, just go, go, go!

lucky1979 · 11/10/2010 09:46

Go now. If you have everything, go right now.

Keep trying WA but you can do that once you're out and safe, don't wait for them.

ElephantsAndMiasmas · 11/10/2010 09:54

Probably been said many times but DO NOT tell him where you have gone.

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 10:02

not telling him he does not have address nor do i yet. got wa, lots of advice, closing pc now and quick pack (i don't do anything quick usually) and go to pick up dd1...can i just take her out or will i have to ask? any excuse i can give???

OP posts: