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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

Thoughts please...(v. long, sorry)

94 replies

ange30 · 06/12/2005 11:43

Don't know where to start. Need to get this off my chest. Can't believe I'm posting, but I've had enough - need support and other perspectives on this. Have 1 DS and 1 DD, pre school age. DP blames me for "ruining his life". He has kicked and punched me but says it's my fault for various reasons. He dragged me along the sofa by my hair when I was PG, threatened to murder me and the kids whilst I was PG as they would be better off not having me as a mother, threatened to crash the car with us all in it to kill me and them, raises his fist to me as he thinks it's funny to see me cower from him. He says he hates me, I'm paid to wash and cook for him, but I'm useless at that. He has been verbally abusive for the last 4 years, puts me down, calls me a slag, accuses me of affairs because I don't want to sleep with him. I don't want to sleep with someone who tells me I'm a useless fat freak, ugly, a slag (not true by the way), screams in my face, tells me I'm a useless mother, sneers that I have no friends, I'm unemployable, etc etc. He says I have ruined his life because earlier this year we had a row, and he shut my ds in the bedroom and said "stay in there, you don't need to see this, I'm going to do your mother in". He tipped the sofa up with me on it, told me to get out of his house, spat at me, threw my clothes up the hall and told me he was taking my kids away from me. I called the police, he was arrested and cautioned. I let him back the next day as I didn't want the kids to have no dad and I was too scared to end it. Also, i was in a village at the time, miles away from anyone, can't drive, no money. Refused help from DV unit, glossed over it. Now DP has been told he must pass a criminal record check to get a licence to do his job. If his company find out about the caution they will sack him for gross misconduct they do it all the time to other people and fire them/don't employ them for bad credit histories etc. I've said they can't do that, he says they can, and it's all my fault for "overreacting and calling police" cos he'll never get a job anywhere again, so he wants me out of his house, leaving my kids behind, as he will be signing on, so he will get custody as I should now go out and get a job to pay my way. He has threatened me numerous times that he will take the kids and get his mother to look after them by saying I'm a druggie and a prostitute - I'm not - I had boyfriends before him but he says I'm a slag for this; MIL will back him up as he controls her too. We have just moved house again to give my kids the chance to be near his family (I don't get on with mine), and to go to a decent school. The house is in his name, I'm only a permitted occupier - he can give me notice to quit; the landlord won't accept HB or unemployed people. I owe arrears to the HA due to an argument from 5 years ago, so they won't rehouse me, as I told them I don't owe it, it's a record error, but as usual, I'm not believed - it still stands.
I have no money apart from tax credits which i have to spend on milk, bread etc for me and kids through week. Cannot get job - can't pay upfront for childcare/physically get to childnminder/work if not in walking distance/dd screams if I leave her with anyone.
All i got from DV and WA is "go to a refuge" or a B&B. They said if the police are called again, and they found out I'd stayed in this situation, then my kids could be put into care, as I've placed them in a situation of emotional abuse by being too frightened to go to a refuge. Sorry, but I don't see why I should have to leave everything behind to live in a hovel miles away, and have Social Services on my case anyway. I asked for the scheme at the council where they pay your rent and deposit in a private house, but they won't tell me how long it would take to come through, if they could fasttrack my benefits etc. I don't want to move somewhere to be kicked out a month later for having no money to pay rent. I would have to get CB paid to me (he has it) - that would take a month, I would have to wait a month for IS to be processed. I have no one to help me move furniture/toys/clothes etc. If I leave everything, I will never have the money to replace it, and it's not fair on kids to lose their home, toys, clothes etc. My friend has just kicked her husband out for DV, she's had social services round, but she's a lot more assertive than me - I am too terrified to leave, and I don't know physically how to do it. If he loses his job today, I daren't imagine what will happen when he gets home. I'm supposed to be going to a concert tonight - his mums supposed to be babysitting - he says he's going to tell her not to come, so I can't go - he knows this will hurt me as I've waited 20 years to go to a concert by this band.
I have no one else to babysit, if she comes and I go alone to the concert, I am scared he will say I've abandoned the kids to go out gallivanting and it also means I will have to spend money on train fares and have to walk home in the dark, and round a strange city.
Totally screwed up now, I have until about 3 pm when I will know if he's calmed down, kept his job, and we're going out, or if WW3 is going to kick off.
Anyone reply please with thoughts to make sense of this mess.

OP posts:
thecattleareALOHing · 06/12/2005 11:51

God, you poor thing. This is dreadful. He is, as you know, a vile abusive bully, and I'm sorry but you HAVE to get your children out of this situation. It will damage them, and he might well end up killing you and then what will happen? If you can't do it for you, do it for them. Have you tried to talking to a solicitor? You should get legal aid to get him out. Also, citizens advice.

colditz · 06/12/2005 11:51

Get out now. Pack your kids stuff, pack your stuff, gather up your kids, and go and sit in the nearest police station until somewhere is found for you to sleep.

Your partners job record is not your problem. His ability to get a job is not your problem. The kids are better off without a dad like this. You are in a foul position of having to leave everything behind, but it is better than staying and having your kids listening to someone threatening to kill their mother.

Get out now. There are people here who have a better idea of what you should do than I do.

BluStocking · 06/12/2005 11:51

ange - You sound sa if you act as if the whole world is against you. It probably feels that way. But in fact only your DP is against you. The DV people are not against you. SS would not be against you - but would be on the side of your children.

I think you need to think about your prioritoes and your children's priorities. You can't protect a man who attacks you and tells your children he will do you in. What do you honestly think that does to them?

Work out who is actually trying to be on your side, and who is against you.

mazzystar · 06/12/2005 11:53

you have to leave, you know that. you cannot allow yourself or your children to continue to experience this physical and emotional abuse.

i wish i could come round and help you do it.

foundintransleightion · 06/12/2005 11:54

I know the difficulties seem insurmountable but thinghs will get on track. The situation with this unbearable man, though, will continue and continue and continue. And in the long term it will do the children much more harm than being unsettled by moving now.
Pack a couple of bags with essentials (clothes, kids' favourite toys etc.) now. Work out where you could go tonight, for the next nights. A friend? Any relatives you do get on with? Do you have any immediate access to any money now?
Call Women's Aid. Call the CAB.

foundintransleightion · 06/12/2005 11:56

women's aid

NomDePlumPudding · 06/12/2005 11:57

Jesus Christ, Ange, this is awful. I understand that you are scared of how your Partner (can't bring myself to call him dp) will react to you taking the kids and leaving and also the unknown you'll be leaving him for. I understand all of this but I really think that you deserve so much better than the life you are currently living.

You sound as though you are still in the position of knowing that his behaviour is twisted and that you are not responsible for his violent and completely unacceptable outbursts, he hasn't got you brainwashed into thinking it's all your fault yet. This is a good thing. I know you are scared but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE take yourself and your children and go to the police station before he kills one or all of you.

Bugsy2 · 06/12/2005 11:59

Please don't stay with this man. Please don't subject your children to watching him abuse you anymore. Where abouts in the country are you? Tell us roughly where, we can all look up details of safe houses, refuges. One of my friends works in one and they will do almost anything to help women and children like you.
No one deserves this treatment, you must get away.

BluStocking · 06/12/2005 12:00

Look, Ange, the only way to retain control over your life now is to go. Be pro-cative and go.

if you don't, you may well end up in hospiatl, and the children in care. It will be out of your hands. yes, refuges might seem a bit bleak for a while (but then again there iwll be support, friendship and safety). You will not be allowed to starve, they will help with all the practicalities, and make sure you get to be independent. They REALLY WILL. But if you stay, it will be even bleaker, dangerous, and things will be out of your control.

Gather all your important documents. Passport, kids birth certificates, Health Records etc ,all your financial stuff, AND the lease that says you are an occupier.

Put some stuff in a bag and call Women's Aid. They can meet you somewhere.

SpringCrimboTurkey · 06/12/2005 12:01

Get out Ange, now. If you are this scared, imagine how your poor children must feel.
If you have literally nowhere to go, go to the local police station and sit there.
Where do you live?

TBH, I wouldn't even think about going to the concert, I wouldn't that man or his mother alone with my kids

foundintransleightion · 06/12/2005 12:02

Agree with sc - do not leave your kids alone with p or mil.
Please get out.

SpringCrimboTurkey · 06/12/2005 12:03

That was obviously meant to say " I wouldn't let that man or his mother be alone with my kids"

BluStocking · 06/12/2005 12:04

Call Womens Aid helpline 0808 2000 247. They will find you suitable emergency accommodation.

I agree with SpringCrimbo - the concert isn't a priority right now, yours and your children's safety is.

motherinfurrierfestivehat · 06/12/2005 12:05

Please go. Please. I know it's easy for me to say this but please please please just pack and go now. I know it feels as if that means you lose everything but it doesn't - it will put you in the position where you can start to gain again.

I know we're just a bunch of women on the internet but MNers have stood by and supported women in your position. We can help too, but you have to take the first step and get yourself and the children to safety.

beejay · 06/12/2005 12:07

You poor poor thing. Please try and get out, can you get your 'assertive' friend to help you?
And I know you may be sad about not going to your concert but really much more important to find somewher safe for you and the kids.

BluStocking · 06/12/2005 12:11

Are you still here, Ange? (on the site, I mean)?

BudaBabeInAManger · 06/12/2005 12:12

Please please go. Listen to all the advice on here and go. There are people out there who can help you if you let them.

Yes it is tough to start again. Yes it is hard to move. Yes it is hard on your children. But it would be harder on them either watching their father kill you or growing up thinking this is normal. And do you really want your DS under the influence of this man?

Go to a Refuge - PLEASE.

carlychristmas · 06/12/2005 12:12

ange you need to leave now dont wait a moment longer. I had an xp that was very similar to yours he abused me in every form and the final straw was when he sexually abused me and beat me in front of my then 2yr old ds because of that my son didnt speak for almost six months please get out now b4 its too late xx

SpringCrimboTurkey · 06/12/2005 12:14

Carly How awful.
I think this is what Ange needs to hear though and maybe a few positive stories from people who were in her position but now have a fantastic life away from their P's

SpringCrimboTurkey · 06/12/2005 12:19

Ange are you still here?

carlychristmas · 06/12/2005 12:20

i can do both SpringCrimboTurkey because just over a year later i am happier then i have ever been i have a wonderful supportive partner who completley adores me and my boys and have the upmost respect for all of us. He treats me well and would never dream off harming any of us. The first few weeks were hard but that was only because xp made me feel so useless and worthless i always believed i couldnt survive on my own. Well i got the last laugh cos look at me now! i have like i said a wonderful man two wonderful children and have gone back to college to do my maths course to finally and hopefully become a midwife Ange believ me when i say things will get better hun! whereabouts are you?

Tortington · 06/12/2005 12:21

your kids won't like you if you stay. so go to a b&b. ask the council how long its likely that you will be there. most councils have a strategy for a low B&B turnaround. around here its no longer than 6 weeks - more likely to be 4.

in two months you could be in a different house starting a new life.

your kids will grow up and hate you for not leaving.

what kid need to hear - "stay int he bedroom whilst i do your mum in"?

he must be fucking terrified. imagine your fear - now imagine how scared he is - for you - a situation he cannot control.

a friend of mine was in this cycle - one day they has a fight - she ended up in hospital - he knocked her out. se has 5 kids - i took her boys. they were around 9 at the time. all tey would say is " one day i will be bigger than dad then am going to beat him up"

how sad is that - that such young innocents are made to feel such hatred and anger.

get out today

anorak · 06/12/2005 12:26

Ange, I agree with everyone here. Some people post on mumsnet with stories of their men abusing them to some degree or another, normally there is something mitigating with which one can temper their partner's conduct, but in this case there is absolutely none that I can see.

I know you're scared, but I'd go so far as to say that if you don't leave you're putting your children in danger. You really have no choice, if you stay it's almost like allowing him to continue.

Wait (no more than a day or two) for a good safe opportunity when you know he won't catch you then take as much money and valuables as you can to help you get through and get yourself into a refuge where he can't find you.

You can live again after this, you can rebuild your life from nothing, I promise. Many of us on this forum have done just that. And usually the only regret is that we didn't get out sooner.

Take heart. I'm so glad you posted, that's what this website is all about. You will find support here.

SpringCrimboTurkey · 06/12/2005 12:27

Thats great Carly
And Custy as usual has given a great example - you have to leave, today, whilst he is at work!

munz · 06/12/2005 12:42

ange - no first hand experience but a firends mum had an abusive partner - she only walked away because he beat her so bad she literally had brain damage etc and basically he left her for dead. thankfully thou she pulled thru and althou she was v v v ill she managed to survive - how far will u let him push u - be strong for ur children - do u seriously think he could be a better parent than u?? I think not. get a bag packed a few toys etc and take the kids from school and leave him. it's ur only option really.