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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

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:
separated · 15/02/2012 18:00

My half term and children's differ. They are off next week with husband.

Not going to blackmail but hoped he would go.

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QueenOfProcrastination · 15/02/2012 18:20

Is sister close enough for you to visit at the weekend? Pick up both kids straight from school and head straight for your sister's so you can have a weekend together without the stress of bastard husband's presence.

Regarding the house sale - is it on the market? If so, phone the agent and ask him why he honestly feels the house isn't selling. Ask him to compare it to others on their books and explain why buyers would find other properties more desirable. Once you have honest feedback you either find the money to make the house more saleable, or you reduce the price. If bastard husband is eager to sell too then this shouldn't be an issue. I know you are drained right now, but pushing the sale will get you (financially) separated from that monster.

Just checked out tax credits quickly. Even if you're earning £40k as a single parent of 13 and 15 yr old you should get approx £70 per month. Not a lot but it all helps. If you go to www.entitledto.co.uk they can help you see what financial help you could get WHEN you leave.

separated · 15/02/2012 19:27

I could visit my sister. But I worry that, by doing that, it would encourage him to do something similar. They are all on holiday next week when I am back at work.
The house has only been on the market for a week. So it's too early to be pestering the agent.
Thanks for pointing out about tax credits.

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QueenOfProcrastination · 15/02/2012 20:01

Sorry, I get quite pushy when I put my "problem-solving hat" on!

You've got two more days of house to yourself during the day. If you're drained then spend the time watching crap tv, or book yourself in for a facial / go for a swim / whatever you find relaxing and refreshing. If you feel up to some preparations to leave then you could pack away important things (keepsakes from when DC were young, important documents, photos, etc) and an emergency bag for you, DD and DC and store them in car or with a friend. You could even spend some time looking for paperwork and copying anything that may prove useful when it comes to divorce proceedings / financial settlement.

Most importantly, try to do something that makes you feel good, if only for an hour or an afternoon. Please remember that you are important, intelligent, lovable, caring. You have amazing strength to have withstood your relationship and still be making plans to improve your life, rather than sinking into the conviction that he really is as good as it gets. You are wonderful.

Stay safe and keep talking - either to people in RL or on here. I've never met you yet feel compelled to try to help in some small way so I'm sure that your friends and colleagues would want to provide you with whatever support and help you need. Don't be afraid to ask.

Proudnscary · 15/02/2012 21:33

Separated

I remember your thread from a year or two ago...

Very weirdly, I was just thinking about you as your posts always stayed with me, when I came on here and found this new thread.

I am sorry you have suffered more at the hands of this monstrous man. He chills me to the bone.

Your children have been through enough. As have you.

Not only do I think you have to get away in any way you can (yes stay at sister's), but I think you need to report him too for his wildly unprofessional and damaging behaviour at work. He is clearly a very destructive individual who should not be 'helping' clients/patients.

I would definitely not try blackmail - I don't think you want to goad him. I think he's dangerous.

xx

separated · 15/02/2012 22:36

Hi there Proudnscary. Yes, over the years, we certainly have suffered. And much of it has been so subtle that it takes an outsider to point out some of it. Most of it we have habituated to.
My sister is with the most lovely man and that's what I hope for one day. Not him obviously, but someone with his qualities.
Yes, I afree that I probably cannot ignore what I found. He should not be practising, or accredited, if he has behaved how the evidence suggests that he has. I agree about not blackmailing; it wouldn't sit comfortably with me anyway.

OP posts:
Eurostar · 16/02/2012 00:03

What's the delay in selling the house Separated? No offers?

separated · 16/02/2012 00:56

Only been on the market for a week!

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Proudnscary · 16/02/2012 08:52

One of the things that stayed with me about you, is how intelligent and measured, resolute and full of clarity you always sounded.

So when got back together I was shocked - it just goes to show, as you say, how clever and subtle and manipulative men like him are. And I know you felt you adored him and didn't want to split up your family.

Of course you deserve someone lovely like your BIL, and that will happen for you as you have tons to give. I know I don't know you but I cannot tell you how much I want you to get out of this bastard's clutches and be free!

thebody · 16/02/2012 09:46

Keep safe and keep strong x

separated · 16/02/2012 11:32

Thank you proudandscary.

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QueenOfProcrastination · 16/02/2012 20:52

Hope you're okay tonight.

Eurostar · 16/02/2012 22:46

Only been on a week? Sorry, had got the idea it had been longer.

So there could be a long time to go until it sells with this slow market and chains breaking down :-(

separated · 16/02/2012 23:29

I have been out with friends tonight. Thank goodness for my friends.
Yes, the house sale could take months. Not sure how well I would be if I had to do this for many months.

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separated · 17/02/2012 07:40

Last official day of my holiday today. Another rubbish one. Too much worry, not enough rest or sleep. The children and husband are all off next week but weren't this week. So I won't have had a morning without the alarm going off at 6.
Feeling very low today and poorly.

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Proudnscary · 17/02/2012 08:02

Oh dear I'm sorry you're feeling shit today.
I guess just take little steps to feel a little stronger - a fresh juice, coffee, shower, go for a walk....I know not wonderfully helpful but I had a very stressful week (work stuff) a few weeks ago and my dh had to remind me to put one step in front of the other.
xx

separated · 19/02/2012 18:59

Had an eventful few days. Can't really post about all of it yet, unfortunately. But we are not back together or anything ridiculous like that!

Had a bit of a wobble today, a few tears, when I read back over our texts from the last few months. I wasn't crying for what I've lost. There was little to lose, it appears. His texts were generally cold and just conveying any information that I might need to know. There were no kisses in reply to mine and nothing remotely loving. What an idiot I have been.

He went out this morning and only came back about an hour ago. He briefly said hello to our son (our daughter is out) and then shut himself away in his bedroom. He hadn't told me that he was going out. I had dropped our daughter at her friend's and had planned on going to the gym as an outlet for my anger. He texted to say that I might want to know that our son was on his own (he has a high temperature and a cold and isn't eating due to having a train track brace fitted on Thursday). So I knocked the gym on the head and came home to be here if he needed me. What husband's text hadn't told me was that our son had said that he didn't need company.

Because husband was out, it gave me the opportunity to eat. I am still struggling to eat normally due to the stress of this situation and I am failing miserably at putting on the weight that needs to go back on. Don't hate me for that, I've never had this sort of problem before and hate being underweight.

Hoping to get through the next few days. If I could leave right now I would.

OP posts:
separated · 20/02/2012 20:57

Still here.

My lovely daughter is out of the house at a sleepover. Who could blame her?
Poorly son is up in his bedroom on his pc, gaming.
Husband is somewhere in the house.
I am alone in the living room.

We are now not talking at all. Nothing. It's like I'm invisible. If it wasn't so pathetic it would be funny. I got in from work today and there was nothing. No greeting. No care. I need to escape from here.

I am hoping that my meeting on Wednesday afternoon might produce some ways for me to leave the house. The current situation is intolerable. There's just a complete communication breakdown.

OP posts:
anonacfr · 20/02/2012 22:54

God your poor thing.

Not sure what to say except hang in there! Good luck with the meeting.

BigFatSpider · 20/02/2012 23:04

I'm so sorry - it sounds intolerable. Thinking of you (and sneaking in a quick hug whilst nobody's watching).

Try to remember to look after yourself - little and often, if you can manage it.

blackcurrants · 21/02/2012 12:02

oh Separated why would we hate you for feeling so bad you can't eat? Sad we're here to support you, and by the way, you are doing brilliantly.

Your children are avoiding him because they're working out just how unpleasant he is. It's ok to grieve for what you don't have and should have. No one marries a man thinking "Ooh, I hope this ends horribly!"

Think about maybe drinking your calories? Whizz up a banana in some milk? Or keep a few treats around that you really like, maybe? Take care of yourself, you deserve to be cherished.

separated · 23/02/2012 19:21

Thanks for caring.
In the midst of all this crap, I have a date. Too soon? Maybe. But it feels great!

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ScorpionQueen · 23/02/2012 20:56

If you're wondering if it's too soon then it might well be but don't let that stop you going out and having a nice time. You are sensible enough and reflective enough to not rush headlong into something and deserve a light-hearted evening away from the oppressive atmosphere of your home.

separated · 23/02/2012 21:27

Thank you. Yes, if nothing else, it has made me feel happy!

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mrswrite · 23/02/2012 22:11

Call tax credits and tell them re living together but separately, friend of mine was in similar situation (living in house together that was on the market) and they advised they could pay as single person from date of 'split' may help you. Chin up, you are doing really well.