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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

I have found evidence of an inappropriate relationship. What to do? Long. Sorry.

190 replies

separated · 13/02/2012 19:14

My husband is a therapist. He deals with fairly severe cases of depression and other mental health issues.

Background info. There is a history of his domestic violence against me. He was arrested once but denied it. My word against his. My son has recently become quite aggressive with me. An ongoing problem.

We are divorcing, his choice, and selling the house but we are still living in the house at the moment with our two teenagers. I have started several threads in the last few weeks. He ended our relationship at Christmas but assured me that there was no one else.

I have found evidence to the contrary. And the evidence proves without a doubt that it's with a client/former client. This is strictly forbidden. I confronted him about it. He denied it but asked me to jog his memory by showing him the evidence. I knew what would happen to it if I did so I have copied it and given copies to close friends until I decide what to do. He is a psychologist and incredibly good at appearing innocent. He is wily. He always used to say that he would never hurt me in such a way that there would be evidence.

For the first time in this increasingly twisted twenty year relationship, i actually have some solid evidence of yet another thing that he is denying. Essentially it's several sides of A4 paper with him weighing up various solutions such as: tell no one, admit it to his boss, discuss it with the BABCP which is his regulatory body or something or to continue the relationship (he sometimes refers to it as a friendship in this evidence) but make it non sexual for 2 years. I assume this two years refers to a period when a therapist cannot have a relationship with a client after treatment finishes. He considers drip feeding the information to his boss as another option.

I thought that he would admit what has happened. He hasn't. But this time I know. I thought that this would give me the space I need; it was bad enough finding out over Xmas that he no longer had feelings for me. And he didn't even leave for a few days to let the dust settle, instead he asked me to pretend that everything was normal, for the sake of the children. Which I did. I really thought, now that I know that he has started some sort of relationship, or thought about it, with a client that he should leave for a while. And he won't. It's so disrespectful. And it's actually wrong. He has crossed a line with someone.

Please do you have any words of wisdom? Really, he should lose his job. But do I want to be the person that makes that happen? I had intended to walk away from this marriage with a clear conscience. But would this just be revenge? Incidentally, this is what he told the police that it was when I had him arrested. He told everyone that and still maintains to everyone, including me, that that is what it was.

My other worry is that this could kick start his violence again. He hasn't laid a finger on me since he moved back in in August 2010 when we agreed to try again. Actually, when I agreed to try harder and he agreed to try to forgive me for his arrest(!)

He came back home at lunchtime today. He never does this. I thought that it was to explain to me about this woman. It wasn't. All he wanted was the paperwork that I had found (under his mattress). He accused me of stealing his property and asked to have it back. When I refused, he took my car keys. I only got the keys back because I said that he was frightening me, he was, and that I would have to call the police if he didn't let me leave in my car. Simultaneously, my sister phoned and I remained on the phone, with her listening, until I was safely in my locked car.

What a mess. But at least I know that this wasn't really about me. It's not my fault that the marriage has ended. He found someone else.

Any advice gratefully received please.

OP posts:
eandz · 13/02/2012 22:00

just say you were bluffing when it comes to proof. he's not the type that could plan an 'accident' is he?

separated · 13/02/2012 22:00

No car tonight. My lovely friend is coming over in the morning to put the spare on.
I think I do need to leave with my car if i do leave.
I think I may visit my local domestic violence group tomorrow for some support and advice.

OP posts:
eandz · 13/02/2012 22:01

sorry, I watch a lot of tv. please ignore, not meant to cause fear.

nkf · 13/02/2012 22:01

Does he go to work? Will you have the house to yourself tomorrow?

LadyPeterWimsey · 13/02/2012 22:02

I've just skimmed some of your other threads and he sounds like a highly manipulative individual who won't give up trying to get hold of that evidence. Can you get someone to come round and stay if you are not able to leave?

BayPolar · 13/02/2012 22:15

Yes, I think a friend should come and stay, too.

separated · 13/02/2012 22:20

It's too late to ask anyone to come here tonight. Also a little awkward for them I think. He should be at work tomorrow so I should have the house to myself and maybe I should put some plans into place. My son has decided to stay here if I leave but says it's nothing personal and not a decision against living with me when the time comes; but all of his things are here. I understand that; he's 15. My 13 year old would definitely come with me.
Yes, he is highly manipulative.
I feel a bit spooked now due to some of your warnings. Not that I'm necessarily doubting the risk. He has been a long time 'buying cornflakes', the shop is 3 mins away.

OP posts:
NubblesStryverFlintwinch · 13/02/2012 22:20

You should not be alone with him tonight Sad

NubblesStryverFlintwinch · 13/02/2012 22:21

X posts

NoWayNoHow · 13/02/2012 22:26

separated I too wouldn't delay this, not matter how far short of "ideal" your options are. He KNOWS you know, and that with evidence, you aren't going to be as easily manipulated. He also knows that the evidence could spell the end of his career, and this'll make him more desperate and more dangerous. And, no, I don't think it's a coincidence that your car has "randomly" developed a large puncture. He's clearly trying to prevent you from leaving before he gets his hands on what he needs.

PLEASE be careful.

LadyPeterWimsey · 13/02/2012 22:43

This is going to sound completely paranoid but do you have any way of locking yourself in your room tonight? I feel so anxious for you. Please make sure you have a mobile charged and handy. If he saw you were frightened today, he will know he can frighten you more now you can't easily get anywhere.

I'm sorry you're spooked. But, you know, I would rather call a taxi, go to a hotel or a friend and feel a bit silly tomorrow than spend a night in a house with someone who has good reason to want to intimidate me.

Are you in Hampshire? I'll come and get you!

ScorpionQueen · 13/02/2012 22:49

It's not too late to call someone, not if you don't feel safe.

NubblesStryverFlintwinch · 13/02/2012 22:53

If you are in bucks I will come and get you :)

separated · 13/02/2012 22:54

He went out a while ago. Told my daughter it was to buy cornflakes, but that was at about 9 o'clock. Maybe a bit later.
There is no lock on my door but I could put some furniture in front of the door. Mobile is fully charged and always by my bed. I don't think he saw that I was frightened today. In fact, the knowldege that he has crossed the line professionally made me feel a bit stronger. He always made me feel that everything I did was wrong and that I was mistaken about things. Not this time.
I would love yo lock him out of the house tonight but I don't dare.

OP posts:
separated · 13/02/2012 22:55

I am not in Bucks or Hants. I am in Warwickshire. On the border with Leicestershire. x

OP posts:
eandz · 13/02/2012 23:05

I have no idea where that is; (I'm not from the UK)... So I cannot rescue...

However, has he ever been intimidating towards the children?

LadyPeterWimsey · 13/02/2012 23:06

I'm pleased you feel stronger - that's good. Do remember that you being stronger makes you more of a threat to him, and he has too much to lose.

I'm sure you will feel a bit of an idiot in the morning as you move the furniture back, but please do it anyway! And then make some plans to be able to leave at a moment's notice. I'm not in your situation but I would seriously consider whether you and your daughter can stay now that he knows the evidence you have.

areyoumad · 13/02/2012 23:06

Ok can you ring police and advise them after a serious row today you're feeling concerned, at least then if you ring them later at any state they have the background! Is there a spare car key? Could he be hunting through your stuff in the car which is why it's taking so long? I'm really concerned for you, with his comments of needing to be reminded so could he see it. Get dd in with you and put furniture in front of the door. Take care

catsareevil · 13/02/2012 23:08

I agree with the others. You need to be safe. There is enough in what you say to make the house not sound safe for you tonight. Could you and children get a taxi to a hotel? Or at the very least phone the police and tell them of your fears, they might not act on it, but knowing that you have done that could be helpful.

Once you are safe you should, IMO, report him. There is a reason why he should not be having a relationship with a client, and if he is being like this with you then someone handpicked when they were having difficulties is unlikely to be any less vulnerable.

eandz · 13/02/2012 23:20

agree with cats.

separated · 13/02/2012 23:21

I have considered phoning the police just to tell them that there's a small possibility that there could be trouble. And I'm still not ruling that out. But the only other time I involved the police it certainly didn't make things better. According to my husband, they had a good laugh about me and my middle class version of domestic violence. Obviously, i only have my husband's word for that.
I suppose I am loathe to over dramatise something which could put my husband into a situation which he may not deserve. I would hate to get this wrong.

OP posts:
catsareevil · 13/02/2012 23:29

"According to my husband, they had a good laugh about me and my middle class version of domestic violence"

I doubt that. What is he really saying? That he was only violent to you in a middle class way and so that is so acceptable as to be funny that you objected to it? Or that you wouldnt be so picky about being hit if you were working class? Neither sound great to me.

You don't have to be asking the police to do anything (but they might surprise you, to me your description of your DH is very concerning and the police might think so too). At the least if you are clear that you have told them,then on the off chance that your DH comes back and continues to frighten you it might make you feel stronger to be able to say that you have already spoken to the police about him.

eandz · 13/02/2012 23:30

would you mind telling us a little bit about what happened last time? why he didn't consider it domestic violence? why he thinks the police felt he was right? and what your version is?

separated · 13/02/2012 23:33

Need to go. Will post later x

OP posts:
LadyPeterWimsey · 13/02/2012 23:39

I understand your caution; please keep safe and let us know you are ok.

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