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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:
ElephantsAndMiasmas · 11/10/2010 15:36

Great that you've got the money. You need it now.

Have you spoken to the Police yet? And CAB? CAB will know about money issues etc.

Why do you think you'll be going back tomorrow? Do you mean to the house? Is he leaving then?

MadAboutQuavers · 11/10/2010 15:41

Timmy - you're inspirational

So glad you've done something really positive and strong to make sure your arse of a H can't keep you in your scared little box. Which is clearly where he likes you to be

As others have said, be prepared for; 1. the anger, and then 2. the cajoling, followed by 3. constant attempts to dismantle you so you are convinced you can't live without him

What you've done is very hard and very scary, but the alternative is putting up with less than half a life, lived in permanent fear

MadAboutQuavers · 11/10/2010 15:44

...oh, and BEWARE of him using DD to get to you.

Remember, he has been hell bent on showing you how little say and control you have in your relationship, he may just decide to ramp it up now

Don't, under any circumstances, be alone with him, or leave DD alone with him...

TerrysNo2 · 11/10/2010 15:57

Timmy you are a strong woman - well done for taking this first step. I wish you the best of luck in changing your life and the future of your children's.

amberlight · 11/10/2010 15:58

and if you can, change the sim card in your mobile. A lot of men find a way to track someone using their mobile phone - even the non-technical ones often find a mate who knows how to do it. Women's Aid often have spare mobiles.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 16:02

I've got couple of spare (never used) SIMs if you want one. I think I have Orange and O2 if you want to PM me, then I can post them on to you.

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 16:16

chose 45k i bank, i may go on hol to cetreparcs, make it more fu for girls. sounds like it will e a while, got solicitor rinnging back at 6pm. just got to speak to police and gp to make statemets

OP posts:
MadAboutQuavers · 11/10/2010 16:19

Holiday - what a superb idea

It will give you some space to get your head together, and some time away from the shite with your little ones

You are handling this admirably, even though you are scared. You should be so proud of yourself.

mumonthenet · 11/10/2010 16:20

Wow,

you have really found that feisty old you. Well done for being so strong. Now you just have to stay strong.

As others have warned you he will try every which way to undermine your actions.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 16:22

You've got 45k in the bank?

Do you want to stay in the area, or do you want a fresh start somewhere else?

Suda · 11/10/2010 16:44

Dont let him make you feel bad about taking the joint money either - I ended up left with very very little as I just wanted it all settled - my solicitor said I could have cleaned him out but I didnt and I really regretted it later. At the end of the day its you who needs that money not him - you've left him with a roof over his head but you need to start again and that is his fault not yours - so dont go on a gulit trip whatever he and or his solicitors say further down the line. Dont end up like me - all those years of misery and hardly a bean to my name.

But I am happy and safe thats the main thing - people who know me off other threads will know I have adult stepchild issues but apart from that - which I am working on - I am so happy with my DH. My life compared to what it was is bliss - you dont realise how unhappy and scared you were till youve been out of it for a while - its like adrenelin or survival instinct must keep you going while you're in it - then when you're out you think how the hell did I get through a day let alone years.

Sorry I'm rambling now - am just thrilled to bits for you - well done you.

<

ISNT · 11/10/2010 16:56

You need to take your share of joint money asap I suspect it won't stay there for long. Don't you do internet banking? (guessing not)

if you have the info now, try ringing them again?

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 16:57

okay just got drs to make statement and police. can i do tomorrow?

now txt to h, he will be back home 5.20 usually, wht do i put nnonn confrontational? serious onnl;y please, i can thik of plenty of funny and pointed ones

OP posts:
LilMsUnfortunateAxeIncident · 11/10/2010 17:06

Text:
Have decided I need to stay with a girlfriend for a while. We are OK, just need space and time. Will be in touch.

Think you ought to get a new SIM card for your phone too.

You need to tell the school BTW to make sure that your DD is not released to anyone except you, or indeed, take her on a holiday for a while.

you are amazing Timmy!

LilMsUnfortunateAxeIncident · 11/10/2010 17:07

Will he guess where you are?

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 17:08

THAT IS just about what i put, have sent, realised he can't get txts at home...bet he doesn't even notice we've gone...he's so unobservant of these things...

do i ring?

OP posts:
itstimmy · 11/10/2010 17:09

possibly but he has no address, nor did i till today and only on my mobile

OP posts:
itstimmy · 11/10/2010 17:12

anything else to be done? girls are with me, not at school. I think holiday could be the way to go

OP posts:
itstimmy · 11/10/2010 17:12

and believe me i don't feel brave or big or amazing. just sick and scared

OP posts:
amberlight · 11/10/2010 17:13

If he can't get texts at home, he can go out and receive them. Phone calls are very easy for someone to lie about, e.g. "Gosh, Mr Policeman, my partner just rang to shout abuse at me and I could hear the children screaming in fear in the background! I'm so worried about her/them - get her back for me please!"

At least a text means you can prove
a) you did let him know
b) exactly what you said.

If you ring, do so with someone else listening in, and don't get into conversation with him. Read out what you mean to say, then put the phone down.

jacksmomma · 11/10/2010 17:23

i wish i could give you a massive hug , you are being so brave it is inspirational ,im with you all the way .

itstimmy · 11/10/2010 17:29

nothing yet, i don't want to ring him, he really won't notice

OP posts:
itstimmy · 11/10/2010 17:32

i just feel so scared and sick, so worried about girls. at least i know they are safe, feel bad for h coming to empty home, i want him to know they are okay and i will let him see them as soon as all the court orders are in place (put that in txt) but i don't want to be with him anymore.

girls v happy playing with friends daughter, bedtime will be hard, daddy not reading story.

OP posts:
ElephantsAndMiasmas · 11/10/2010 17:43

Listen Timmy it's ok. the girls are fine, you say yourself that he will barely notice you've gone. You've sent him a text. It's not your job to comfort him, you've fled this man for your own safety and you need to keep contact to the minimum for your own sake.

The girls have got their mum, they're not all alone and they don't sound sad, it's just you worrying. Please try to take some deep breaths.

Ineedmorechocolatenow · 11/10/2010 17:44

You are doing so well timmy stay strong.

Try not to feel bad for him. He's brought this upon himself.

You are protecting your DDs. You've made the first, scary step. But it's a step towards a happy, safe future.

Thinking of you