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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

Could DP be abusing his daughter?

131 replies

NameMe · 24/02/2011 08:49

Ok I'm going to lay it all on the line here. I'm leaving my DP in two weeks time and since this became official, the cloud in my head is starting to clear and I'm becomming concerned with what is emmerging. That is, signs that he perhaps has or is abusing his DD.

Please just bare with me because my head is like spaghetti. I'll try and be brief and concise. His daughter is 13 and has continuously wet the bed, apparantly right from when she was potty trained, she has never been completely "dry". She has had numerous hospital appointments but they can never find anything wrong, they just say she'll grow out of it but this shows no sign of happening. More disturbing is the fact that when she sleeps out, it NEVER happens. She wets the bed here almost every night yet last year she went on a week long residential trip and never wet the bed once. When she stays at friend's houses she never wets the bed. When she has friends over it never happens either. I should've been suspitious about this to start with BUT the problem was he was never alone with her. There was never really any time when he could be doing something to her because I would've heard or seen SOMETHING. But I never did. I would never normally accuse anyone of this but something is not right and I've been thinking this for a while now but I've not done anything because I honestly cannot see HOW he would manage it iyswim? I'm always around. But I would be lying if I said I didnt have any concerns about him at all. He is a strange person, lies about the most stupid things, constantly acting secretive and odd. I found porn on his computer last year, some of it was quite "young" barely legal stuff. I pulled him up on it. The "young" stuff he reckoned just popped up with the other pages.
I don't know what to beleive because SHE acts wierd too. When she walks past him she strokes his head etc, it almost seems a bit too intimate or maybe I'm being paranoid? She's constantly asking him for hugs and asking him to "go and see her" in her bedroom and when he does, they shut the bedroom door now I'm not for one minute suggesting she is instigating anything but I know she craves attention and I'm concerned that she perhaps see's ANY attention from her dad as being positive? He almost seems scared of her too, like she has some kind of a hold on him. For instance she has a rabit which is NOT looked after and the poor thing is neglected. We decided we would rehome it. She kicked off. Later that night he was in her room, door closed etc etc and when he came back down he'd TOTALLY changed his mind of rehoming the rabbit. Now I know this could be innocent whinging playing a part but something is telling me I've been a fool and something is wrong.
As I say I'm leaving so I wanted to put this out now to you and get "feedback" on whether I am being paranoid/dillusional etc. I was abused as a child so maybe this is clouding my judgement?
I can't help thinking even if he ISN'T doing anything now because I'm here, was he when it was just the two of them? is that why he's looking forward to me moving out? I'm really hoping you all come on now and tell me I'm talking shite and being paranoid.

OP posts:
QuelleLeJeff · 24/02/2011 20:28

Or is a bit of hypocrite?

notpythagoras · 24/02/2011 20:34

I can understand why some posters change their names and repost later without much seeming to have changed. This does not make them trolls or evil. It is very difficult to accept some of the things that are said on MN if you are in an abusive situation that you have not before thought of like that (or can't quite believe that other people live such different lives). It is also not that easy to up and leave relationships. We should all be supportive and I still say that OP should talk to someone at Stopitnow especially as she found the NSPCC not very helpful. They are the experts in this kind of abuse. It doesn't matter if the OP's fears turn out to be well founded or not, it will be a place for her to talk about them openly and hear the opinion of an expert.

It takes a long time to turn around one's life views and habits but OP is trying.

Good luck. I hope you call. You have nothing to lose and may gain peace of mind or useful advice about what to do next. I can quite see why you don't want to look away and ignore a potentially abused child just because you are leaving the man. Abused children need someone to intervene for them and it is good of you to care enough to take that next step. It is not important whether or not you have name changed.

AgeingGrace · 24/02/2011 21:55

Excellent post, notpythagoras. What you said: can't quite believe that other people live such different lives is really important and should be remembered more often on these boards, imo.

It works both ways, too. I am more horrified by posters who accuse OPs of lying - simply because they don't want to believe that others live such downtrodden lives - than by those OPs, who've never known or have totally forgotten what respect & security look like.

Others here - AnyFucker [RIP] and a few others - helped me learn how to change my values. My marriage was already in the past; it would have been an even slower job if I'd still been living in the weird world of abuse.

QuelleLeJeff · 24/02/2011 22:39

The thing is notpythagoras and grace - I think those that know and understand the OP - and have read her many posts in many personas have been sympathetic and kind to her on this thread.

Not many have shouted troll to her - most have said that they know who she is - I think as an acknowledgement of her previous posts, I know that I posted in an encouraging way. It's very hard to watch someone post this way for years and years, when there are children involved without saying "please come on, leave, and let's deal with this uncomfortable relationship between the partner and his daughter" and then six months later a similar post.

I totally acknowledge what you're saying about the fear that keeps people in a terrible place. Believe me, I understand. I totally believe that the majority of the posters who know the OP's position have been supportive and have only mentioned previous posts and the "boxroom troll" name as a touchstone - so that we all know where we're coming from.

It's very sad to me that the OP came out a number of months ago - spoke to us all, acknowledged her "boxroom" name (I mean, how fucking sad is that really?) and coughed up a bunch of stuff that was bothering her and then disappeared again despite MNers attempts to support her. This is not said as a judgement, merely as an example of the desperate need of the poster - and our utter inability to help her.

It's frustrating, upsetting and ultimately pointless, I wish it was not so, but I believe that it is.

However, I am sure that myself and AnyFucker [RIP] Grace, Reality and many others will still be here for the OP on her next post.

I hope the next one will be that she has finally left with her boys who deserve so much more, and that she has taken appropriate steps to help the daughter who is so very troubled. If not? We'll tell her the same things again.

PeterAndreForPM · 24/02/2011 22:47

However, I am sure that myself and AnyFucker [RIP] Grace, Reality and many others will still be here for the OP on her next post

I dunno, Jeff

I would like to think so

But how much is enough ?

Just her to worry about ?...no problem, she can procrastinate all she likes. When there are children involved ? No...

Excusing people their inaction can only be justified for so long. After a time, it becomes collusion

QuelleLeJeff · 24/02/2011 23:07

I know Peter.

Where is the line drawn? We are merely observers in this situation. Observers who push for the best outcome, but the reality is that we can't reach through the screen and save the OP (If you're still watching OP, we are fucking terrific at support though^) but what are our options?

The next time Boxy posts we ignore? Let a bunch of people who have no knowledge of the catalogue of disasters this relationship hold advise her that everything is fine? Watch as she sinks further and further, and WORSE that the children are mired deeper in this mess?

Seriously? What can we do other than say "GET OUT, HELP THE GIRL, GET THE FUCK OUT"

Exhausting, but necessary I believe.

AgeingGrace · 24/02/2011 23:10

Yes, Jeff ... :(
What's that statistic about leaving an abusive relationship? An average of 8 attempts?

It was heartening (and heartbreaking) when "boxroom" acknowledged her posting history. It does look like she's breaking through the dreaded "fog" - or spaghetti, as she put it today Grin - bit by bit. I hope so.

NanaNina · 24/02/2011 23:19

I don't know anything about this poster, her previous posts, her backstory or anything else and haven't read each and every post but what I can't understand is why so many of you are still posting, saying they have heard it all before etc etc and she is just going to disappear from the thread etc etc. What is the point? Or have I missed it?

QuelleLeJeff · 24/02/2011 23:21

Nana - you missed it

Grace (is that YOU Grace? why are you bloody AGEING FGS? I like ItsGraceAgain) - Hopefully she's almost there. Smile

AgeingGrace · 24/02/2011 23:26

It was my first ever username :) Don't worry, I'll be GraceAgain again!

NameMe · 25/02/2011 06:43

Just to confirm, I do actually have a date arranged for moving (5th March) and the deposit etc is all paid. It's all official and I can't wait!

Yes I've made some stupid mistakes, first one being when I was desperate for any relationship so I wouldn't have to spend every day and every night on my own. Then when I got rid of that one, I made the same mistake again with this one. Difference this time though is whilst I've been here, despite everything I have actually began to sort myself out. I realised a career was never going to knock on my door so I started an access course to get into uni. That is going brilliantly, I've made new friends, have new ambition and a shit-load more confidence. I have realised that actually, I don't need a relationship at all and tbh, I don't even WANT one anymore. My happiest times have been from when I was a single parent and I don't intend to make this same mistake again.
I've been a shit step-mother, I know but at the same time, it's hard to be a GOOD step-mother when the other parent is delibrately going out of his way to lie and deceive - encouraging his daughter to do the same. Yes I should've left a long time ago but it's difficult finding somewhere to live when you don't work and can't get a guarantor. But I've done that now. I have a university interview in March and I think I'm starting to work it all out ... finally.

Re. DSD lack of hygiene - thinking about it that could've been caused by her father. When I first moved in here she wasn't ALLOWED to get a shower more than once a week as he said it was a waste of electric. She had just two pairs of pyjamas which she would wear over and over again despite wetting them and only had one pair of trousers that fitted her. I'm starting to think she just never knew any better because she'd had such a crap upbringing. She's different in that respect now, she gets a shower without being asked to now and never smells of wee. She still leaves used period pads all over the bedroom floor however but - I've mentioned it time and time again but to no avail.

I do appreciate the time everyone has put into posting over these past couple of years. I know I've been a pain in the arse but I think that pathetic side of me is starting to crumble away. Half of you will still think I'm full of shit which is fair enough. To those that don't, thanks and I'll be posting on the 6th March regarding being a newly single parent.

OP posts:
QuintessentialShadows · 25/02/2011 06:49

You seem so much stronger. Listening to you now, (and last time a few months a go) is very different to before. I am really glad for you that things are better, well done on the uni interview! Well done on sorting your life out and moving on.

You have not been a pain. (I think I am more of a pain than you Grin ) But many people (me included admittedly) thought you were trolling due to the various user names and the lack of acknowledgement of past threads.

But I think we are beyond that now. You are taking ownership of your situation, and your life, and you are getting back on track.

But do alert somebody about your concerns for the girl.

NameMe · 25/02/2011 07:02

I think the different name thing came from the fact that I knew I'd asked the same stuff many times before and I thought if people thought I was someone else, I'd maybe get a different answer. I suppose it's a bit like a kid who asks mum a question over and over again and then when sick of her response - asks grandma instead Grin

I'm going to write a letter to DSD's school outlining my concerns. I know the school is well known for its pastoral care. As I'm more inclined to believe that she ISN'T being abused (just strangely brought up!) I'd rather not rush straight to the social services but at least with the school, they will have some idea if everything is ok with her and if not, they'll know what to do.

OP posts:
QuintessentialShadows · 25/02/2011 07:44

I know a girl who sound a little like this girl. She is 14, lives in a two parent family, neither parent really care for hygiene and stuff. She does not know any different. When at our place, she does not realize that her tampons should go into the bin, and not under the bathroom cabinets, etc. Nobody has bothered to tell her what to do. She is otherwise well brought up, a pleasure, good table manners - much thanks to her grandma her parents readily admit.

The letter sounds like a good idea. I hope to read many more posts from you about your life after 5th March (and until then too).

I get what you say about hoping for different answers.
In my case, I have posted a lot recently, it is not about getting different answers, but being able to air the situation with somebody, and get new thoughts and perspectives, while learning to come to terms with things. I am posting as me though.

warthog · 25/02/2011 08:25

good for you nameme. roll on 5th march and your new life!

ChippingInNeedsCoffee · 25/02/2011 09:41

NameMe - having been on many of your other threads, I am very pleased that you have a date to move.

I understand why you did what you did re name changing - but I am also pleased that you can see why many of us were very Hmm this sounds very familiar?? Then you'd deny it and after a bit admit it was you. You would have found it much more supportive here if you had just kept one name - but I can see why you kept changing.

It would be great if you could choose one regular posting name for your new life and keep it, I think it would help you to get support here and I think it would be good for you to see that if 30 people are all saying the same thing, namechanging and posting the question again wont change that (unless you leave out half of the facts).

I really hope you find some peace being a single Mum and enjoy your course - it sounds like you can now see the destructive cycle of crap men in your life and that's a really good start.

I think talking to the school is a good start - as long as they don't just see you as the 'wronged step mum' - if you think they will act on what you say, then great. If not, then I think you need to call SS. Someone needs to help her :(

GypsyMoth · 25/02/2011 09:47

Join us In lone parents! You will be just fine. Good luck!!

Hullygully · 25/02/2011 09:47

That is good news, OP.

On another note, can I just say how fab it is to have Peter and Jeff talking to each other like a pair of snooker commentators. Well, Peter, I think
.." "That's a good point, Jeff.."

heh heh

Mouseface · 25/02/2011 11:10

Grin Hully

I liked the 'I dunno know Jeff' Grin

Hullygully · 25/02/2011 11:31

yes, that was tres snooker, Mouse

AgeingGrace · 25/02/2011 11:41

Thank you so much for today's updates, Name!
You sound so much better. You might not have noticed it yourself, but your writing has become more fluent - sure that's something to do with your studies but also, importantly, it shows how much more in touch you are with yourself and your thoughts :)

Agree it's a good idea to write to DSD's school. Good luck with everything - I can't wait to hear how you get on!

PeterAndreForPM · 25/02/2011 12:22

loving the snooker references

< speaks in whispering baritone >

< dims the lights >

now OP, le's make this your "lucky break", make sure you tot up the points, and whatever you do, don't pot the black

looking forward to your update on 6th March

Jeff, what say you ?

Mouseface · 25/02/2011 12:40
Grin
QuelleLeJeff · 25/02/2011 14:16

I say hooray for the OP.

And something rude about balls and pockets.

Mouseface · 25/02/2011 15:41

Grin Jeff

Get your hands out of your pockets! Friday afternoon smut? Shock