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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:
BudaBabeInAManger · 07/12/2005 06:21

Hoping she couldn't get to computer if he was around.

She may come on this morning.

jambothesnowman · 07/12/2005 06:47

Ange hun you around?

PLease please let us know you are ok.

You get all the friends and support you need here. Hopefully some of us stay near you and could meet with you give you a big ((((((HUG))))) that you need.

Please get out for the kids too

Let us know you are ok

6beetrootsAmilking · 07/12/2005 08:47

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

BluStocking · 07/12/2005 09:18

?

gggimmesnowsnow · 07/12/2005 09:20

bump. Ange?

jambothesnowman · 07/12/2005 11:11

bump

SpringCrimboTurkey · 07/12/2005 11:27

bump

Tamba · 07/12/2005 11:37

Do you think its worth sending her a CAT? or is it to risky that her partner will find it?

BudaBabeInAManger · 07/12/2005 12:19

I would suppose it would depend on the wording - we could just ask her to contact one of us?

Was really hoping she would have posted by now.

HappyMumof2TurtleDoves · 07/12/2005 14:21

would MN HQ email her????
Have been thinking about her today, and feel really worried now

Let's hope she went to her concert and hasn't had time to MN........

bosscatsroastingonanopenfire · 07/12/2005 14:29

I'm thinking about her too. Why would she post and then not check the answers? I hope she is okay. This is so sad. This man needs locking up, the poor girl and her kids.

ange30 · 07/12/2005 14:40

I'm here, I'm Ok. My god, I didn't think anyone would reply. Thank you all so much for your support. I was panicking yesterday, and posted because I was scared. Well, shortly after I posted, he rang up and said that he has kept his job and he's very very sorry for taking everything out on me. He was scared to lose his job and look like a failure to his family and that's why he was blaming me for everything as he's under so much pressure from everywhere. I told him I was not going to put up with his crap anymore, and referred to the things he's done.
I think he realised I was on the edge of walking and it's actually sunk in that I was serious.
We talked for ages and sorted things out - it would have been a different story if he had lost his job, as like I said, he would have blamed me and that would be the end of us and one of us wouldn't be living here now. He admits he's got a problem and knows he's wrong to treat me like that, which he has never said before. I know it sounds like I'm making excuses for him, but we only started rowing since he's been the main "breadwinner", so he feels like everything's on him. I'm going to see how it goes over the next couple of days anyway, because I do not want this situation continuing, nor do I want to go to a refuge - my solicitor says they will get him out temporarily if it came to it. Hopefully it won't anymore.
I'll try and come back on later.
Thanks again everyone.

OP posts:
bosscatsroastingonanopenfire · 07/12/2005 14:45

ange I'm glad you are feeling better but what about the violence? the extreme violence when you were pregnant and the threats to kill. the solicitor is right, he will be removed not you. If he does one more thing to you and I mean one single thing, raises a hand to you or threatens to kill you, take your children and get out. go to the police station and report him. These are criminal offences which I promise you are taken really seriously. He will be removed and will not be allowed back to the house or anywhere near you. If he breaks that I promise you he will find himself in prison. Please don't let him hurt you or your babies.

myturn · 07/12/2005 14:53

ange, glad you are ok.

My impression is still - get out! These violent types rarely change. How long will it be before he is blaming you again for something that goes wrong and again starts the abuse? It may be your life on the life here. Read your first post again - it is horrifying. Take this chance while he is calm to start making plans to leave. Then do it as quickly as you can. Please think seriously about this. Don't wait until he beats you again because it may then be too late for you.

BudaBabeInAManger · 07/12/2005 14:54

ange - really really glad you are OK. Haven't been able to get you out of my mind since you posted yesterday.

Glad everything is calmer BUT it doesn't mean it will stay that way. What happens next time he feels under pressure? Think about your future - it's good you have some breathing space to do so.

vitomum · 07/12/2005 14:58

i am glad that you are Ok Ange but you are still not safe. Your partner is a violent abuser. It is very common for abusers to have periods of remorse and this must increase your confusion as you want to beleive that this relationship can be OK. Unfortunately it cannot as all the reaseach shows that over time abuse does not decrease - it escalates. I am very frightened for you and your kids. I work in the advice field and i can assure you that your Local Council (not your housing association) have legal obligations to rehouse you if you are at risk of violence (regardless of outstanding arrears). It is absolutely imperative that you receive accurate information about your rights to rehousing. You could contact SHELTER on 0808 800 4444 or look at their website. You should also contact a solicitor and womans aid who can provide advice about removing him from your home. Please please make yourself safe.

maturer · 07/12/2005 15:15

Ange good to hear you are ok.
But as many are saying please don't think this is over- it's not. Listen to those who work in this area abusers sldom change unless they get lots of professional help.
I would also suggest you use this time to get information and work out an "escape plan" should you need it.
It is your choice to stay with him and every woman here will understand how your love for him and fear for your family is a strong force for you at the moment. however you cannot live your life on eggshells, waiting for the next episode. You deserve so much better and so do your children.
If you truely want to stay with him at least make it a condition that he seeks counselling for his violence and anger- without the correct help he will NEVER change and your life will always be one of fear and violenc. Please honey use this time to get the help you need.

sugarbaby · 07/12/2005 16:28

please leave, please please please don't stay in this situation. As stated above, it is very very common for abusers to act remorseful after the event, they do it to gain control, by getting you to let your guard down, and by saying that you've talked it through he has got you right back where he wants you.

Do you have access to his bank account? if so, then can you withdraw a small amount of cash each day and put it away somewhere? that way, even if you don't feel now that you can leave, you will feel that you want to in coming days/weeks/months, and if you've put a little bit of money aside you will have something to fall back on at least.

I have a friend who went through exactly the same as you, her partner started beating her up when her baby was 3 weeks old, and not once did he show remorse, until once about a year later, he beat her up again just 2 days later and she left. She now has a restraining order out against him, but she's been re-housed with her daughter and is doing well, you deserve so much better than what he is putting you through, no one should ever raise their hand to their partner, there are no exceptions.

Also, do you know if he's had previous relationship? do you know how those relationships ended? it is very likely that you are not the first woman he has done this to.

I can't say it enough, please don't stay, I know you love him but if he loved you he wouldn't do this to you, you deserve to be loved in a way that a man should love a woman, not like this.

HappyMumof2TurtleDoves · 07/12/2005 16:29

Ange, I'm glad you are ok

I know it's such a hard thing to do, but please, think about whether you want to stay in this relationship. I know you said he's apologised but I don't think it's nearly enough. Violent men, do not, ime, change.
You must get out, for the sake of yourself and your children.

NotQuiteCockney · 07/12/2005 16:34

I think it's possible for violent men to change ... but only with therapy or similar. Would he consider any sort of counselling?

blueteddy · 07/12/2005 16:38

Message withdrawn

HappyMumof2TurtleDoves · 07/12/2005 16:41

I think you are right NQC, but it does take a lot of determination and commitment. Not something any of the violent men I have known (not many tbh) have managed.

Tbh, maybe you leaving would be what he needs to kick his arse into gear. For as long as you are there Ange, continuing to take his abuse, he will continue to dish it out.

ange30 · 07/12/2005 17:47

Sugarbaby, no he hasn't had any other relationships - if he had, I don't think he would have acted as bad as he did. He has said that he will not physically hurt me as he is thinking of the kids, and he's just the type of person that rants and raves and exaggerates things cos he doesn't like admitting he's wrong. He said that whatever he threatens, he wouldn't do it, and I should just ignore him and is horrified that I think he really means it.
I'm sorry everyone if you got the impression he does this all the time - he doesn't, it's just when things build up - my post makes things sound really bad, and I know women put up with far worse. I will not accept him bullying me anymore, and he knows it.

OP posts:
Tamba · 07/12/2005 17:48

are you trying to convince us or yourself ange?

ange30 · 07/12/2005 18:00

Don't know, will have to wait and see what happens. My trouble is i don't like giving up on something unless I really really have no choice. I'm planning to start my own business soon, so the quicker I get my own money the better as a) it will take the pressure off him to earn money, b)he can't accuse me of sitting round doing nothing all day, c)If he starts again I can say screw you and go without feeling trapped and dependent on state or him for money. d) I can take the kids with me to work. Also if I work, we'll see even less of each other so there's less time to row. I think he resents me for being at home with the kids as he says he is missing out. He has said that he doesn't want to be arguing and fighting and he wants a nice life for us and the kids, with 2 parents not 1. I hope he does mean it.

OP posts: