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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 · 23/02/2012 22:26

Thank you for the advice.
I did read about that before, somewhere...but I believe that the finances have to be separated first. maybe I should look into that.

OP posts:
mjawch · 23/02/2012 22:27

u need to leave, or kick him out. You cant stay there! You have something he wants and with his temper do u really want to stick around for him to knock u about? he will if you dont give up the evidence.
Please listen to us, for yoursake n ur kids, LEAVE. xx

separated · 23/02/2012 22:31

I really have tried to leave. Believe me. I have two different agencies coming up with suggestions and still nothing. It's ridiculous. You are trapped if you work full time. The only thing I could consider, costing hundreds, is an occupancy order to get him out of the house. But that would really cause all sorts of problems, financially.

OP posts:
separated · 23/02/2012 23:56

No idea what to do. For second time in a fortnight I ended up being hurt by my son. All because I knocked and entered his bedroom and asked him to go to bed. He sat at his pc, which I am certain he has an addiction to, and ignored my request. Repeatedly.
After at least 5 polite requests for him to log out and an ultimatum that I would switch it off if he didn't, I attempted to switch it off. He had a long period of time to acknowledge my request but chose to ignore me.
Anyway, my wrists are now feeling bruised and are very pink. He grabbed hold of my arms and wrists and twisted as hard as he could. He is much bigger than my 5 foot 6 stone 5 frame.
He ended up dragging me off his bed. I had sat down when he grabbed my wrists. I was pleading with him to stop and think what he was doing. He was wild.
Yet again, STBXH didn't intervene. Unfortunately I ended up kicking my son. I was half off thr bed and my arms were restrained. Husband came to the door and made things worse. Son said that it was no wonder husband hated me and that I was a liar (i had tried to ask husband for help. Husband just told son to stay away from me but only for his sake - like it was my fault.
Sitting in my room wondering how the hell to solve this mess. Would leave now if I could. With daughter. Without son.
I feel so upset.

OP posts:
janajos · 24/02/2012 06:55

your son is suffering badly too and you are an easy outlet for his frustrations and turmoil. He has also been influenced by his very toxic father.

Can you find a quiet time to talk to him honestly? Tell him the truth of the situation, he is old enough and even if he doesn't accept everything you say, he should hear your side.

Then I think I would tell him how much I loved him but that the kind of behaviour he is displaying is utterly unacceptable and if he can do that to his mother, he is likely to behave like that with any woman he is with into the future. I would then say that if he ever lifted his hands to me again, I would call the police and he could explain the situation to them. Be prepared to act on this too!!

I am so sorry for all you are going through. Having been in an abusive relationship for 8yrs, I can honestly say that getting out seems difficult, but once the ball is set in motion, everything moves very fast and it is much easier than you think. I am also a teacher, so do know how you must feel on a number of levels....

xx

separated · 04/03/2012 20:43

I have tried talking with my son. He just won't talk about anything; with me, with his housemaster or with his tutor. I'm at my wit's end. However the teachers at his school are working on things that I shouldn't discuss. Right now, it feels like I just won't be able to manage his behaviour if he lives with me. That breaks my heart.
I went on a date last night. It didn't go well. I always tell my stbxh when I'm going out. Days in advance. He just puts on his coat and leaves.
Tonight I am feeling so low. Really low. I guess it's understandable.

OP posts:
citytovillage · 04/03/2012 20:49

Most psychologists are registered with the HPC- Health Professions Council as the regulatory body. The British Psychological Society may also have him listed. Contact the BABCP- they will strike him off their list for having a romantic relationship with a client.

separated · 04/03/2012 21:36

I may do that in the future. But, right now, I need to ensure that I/we are still safe while we're here in the house. Husband has gone out again tonight. Told children that he was visiting 'a friend'. Maybe he is. Who knows? Just wish there was enough etiquette to inform me so that I don't make plans too. He seems to be relying on me to tell him my plans so that he can come and go inbetween times.

OP posts:
separated · 04/03/2012 21:41

I do accept that we're separated. In fact, and I never thought I would say it, I love that we're not together. I just wish we weren't still in the same house.

OP posts:
whethergirl · 05/03/2012 12:01

separated, I've been following your thread and I'm so sorry you are having such a difficult time. That scene with your ds must have been heartbreaking. But with a role model like your ex, what can be expected? Bear in mind he is probably taking it out on you, because he can. He obviously couldn't act in the same way with his father. But it is totally unacceptable and I can't believe your ex did not intervene properly. It just goes to show how corrupt he is. He doesn't even want the best for your son, to allow him to behave like that.

I don't know you are going to do it practically, I have no experience with this, but obviously your first priority is to get out of there, you can not carry on living in this toxic situation. It's bad enough as it is, and it could get worse. You need to get out before the house sale. Usually the father leaves and lets the mum stay with the kids but I don't think this is going to happen is it. Have you talked to your ex about this? Surely he is not happy with this living arrangement either?

Just get out of there. Can you afford to rent somewhere? There must be some kind of help for women in your situation, have you spoken to Women's Aid for advice?

separated · 05/03/2012 14:25

He won't leave.
He says I can go. Without the children.
Son wouldn't come with me while we still have the house.
I won't leave my son.
No help for me as I work full time. A refuge was going to cost £209 per week.
There is no spare money until the house is sold.

I feel desperate. Still waiting for dv people to get back to me. And the police. Heard nothing of help in 2 weeks.

Today husband brushed past me as we passed on the landing. He stared straight ahead as if I wasn't there.

I overheard him on the phone to his father saying that I was behaving immaturely and that he had now given up trying.

Still losing weight. Not sleeping properly. Just don't feel I have had the support despite seeking it.

OP posts:
anonacfr · 05/03/2012 18:16

Not sure what to say but wanted to offer hug and sympathy... I can't imagine what you're going through.

Re your son I don't know if it's a good idea (and someone might come along and tell you not do it) but have you thought about writing him a letter/email? If he's too angry and confused to talk to you at the moment maybe something that he can sit down and read in his own time might be worth considering?

When you mention the police have you reported him re the affair? If you have evidence, seeing how he's manipulating your son and turning him against you, I would report him. He's spreading lies about you to his father too. No doubt he's working on isolating you and making you look unhinged. You need to fight back!!!

separated · 05/03/2012 21:29

I have emailed my son. I even Skyped him last night. He logged off. I spoke to him on the way home from school when we were in the car together. I suggested that he might look at my messages. He basically rolled his eyes and commented that it was just more messages to put in the trash, or however he referred to the virtual bin.
I sn trying so hard with him. Trying to understand and give him space.

I dare not report the affair/liaison yet. Too risky for safety and financial reasons. When hd came back just over a year ago most of thr debt was transferred into my name. THOUSANDS. He could choose to walk away from the debt I think.

Sometimes it's hard to see getting through the next day.

I said once that he was evil. I think he is.

OP posts:
anonacfr · 05/03/2012 22:56

You poor thing. How is the debt now in your name????

Re your son. Remember he is a teenager. When I was a teenager if my mother said black, I'd say white.
He might say he's deleting your messages but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the case. I would just send them but not talk about it directly to him. Let him find them and read them 'in peace' (so to speak). He might not want to know right now but long term it will be crucial that he has your side of the story to look back at, so that even if your evil (and yes, he does sound evil) H tries to lie about you you've presented him with your side of the story.
Sadly the only other thing you can do right now is be patient, which of course is a hell of lot easier said than done....

anonacfr · 05/03/2012 23:02

Just wanted to add re talking to your son (as opposed to writing). When I was a teenager (and there were no family issues at all aside from me being a snooty bratty horrible little bitch) I went through a phase of physically not standing my mother. I found her utterly claustrophobic and literally couldn't bear to talk to her/look at her/be in the same room.
The more she tried to engage me the more I retreated.

It was nothing to do with her, it was all me. It could be that your son is experiencing the same- which wouldn't be surprising sadly, considering the shit his father is feeding him.

That's why I suggested writing- it's not intrusive and he doesn't need to put up a front when reading messages as you wouldn't be around to see his reaction. I bet at this stage even Skype would be seen as too much for him.

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