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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

My husband walked out on me and our two children last night

114 replies

flumpkins · 06/04/2012 17:01

I had DS 3 months ago and keep getting ill, which I realised yesterday was due to total exhaustion. I haven't slept properly for 3 months because my husband doesn't help me at home and is never at home.

Most days he gets up at 6am and goes to work to return at about 11-12am. I have to do all the night feeds (bf-ing), and I do nappy changing, rocking baby back to sleep etc because he claims he is tired from work and needs to get up early. Basically if he comes home at 6pm I have to have had dinner ready for him and then I have to take the children to bed at 8pm so he can relax and watch TV. I normally take children upstairs and stay on the computer until I feel sleepy, only to awake again for a feed. He stays downstairs for hours and I am sure he is watching porn - I found his internet history on his phone, which he deleted the next day.

In the past we have had massive rows because I don't always make his food on time. I must add here now that we're not English, and there is alot of things about "losing respect" that fly about if a husband and wife fight and involve family. I don't like eating the same shit everyday - I was born here and am used to trying a variety of things for dinner, but he won't try anything unless it's his staple food that he likes. It's got to the point where I hate cooking and I hate eating now. I didn't eat properly throughout my pregnancy because I just couldn't stomach the shit. I never put on a large amount of weight and as a result my son was born underweight. So I do admit I don't cook his dinner everyday because he's made me hate food.

I have been ill for the past 5 days now, and as usual he hasn't been at home. I find it hard to entertain my 4 year old and look after the baby. He doesn't care. I went to a family members house yesterday and he phoned me. I asked him when he will be home and he said he was just talking to a friend about 5 mins from our house and he will be home - as usual his first question was "What's going to happen about dinner" and I told him I'd come home and make it for him. I left family member's house about 20 mins later, and by that time I was shivering and breaking into a fever again. I got home, thinking he would come out and take the children in. No. He wasn't at home. I phoned him and asked him where he was and apparantly he was running home. I waited 10 mins and he didn't come. I left the children downstairs and got into bed shivering. Finally I heard him come home and I could tell by the way he was walking around and talking to my DD he was pissed off I had gone to bed.

I took a codiene and slept for about 2 hours, and when I woke up all I could hear was him shouting at DD. She came upstairs and I told her to tell him to take some food out of the freezer and eat it, and give some to DD too. She went downstairs and he started shouting at her again. I got out of bed angry and shouted at him there was food in the freezer to which he replied "that's not edible for a person". I took it out, and warmed it up for DD and told her to sit on table and eat. All the time I was so angry and shouting that why he hadn't asked DD if she was hungry. He replied I'll go and leave you, and I shouted back "go then, I'll back your bags" and I went back upstairs to bed. He phoned his brother and was shouting about me to him, and came upstairs and dumped our son on my lap and said "I'm going, I've had enough, I hate it here". He left at 9pm.

My brother phoned him to come home and he didn't. My brother texted him this morning to ask what's happening and he said he'd be back at 3-4pm. He's not back. I hate him so much. He ruined my life and I 100% sure now this marriage meant nothing but a visa to the UK. What kind of man leaves his children? I haven't texted or phoned him once because I haven't done anything wrong. I don't know why I am posting here but I just would like some support. I already feel like a single mother because he's never at home, so I know I can cope, but this will kill my Dad.

OP posts:
DinahMoHum · 06/04/2012 19:13

im so sorry youve gone through this, but im glad hes left and i really hope he doesnt come back.

Lueji · 06/04/2012 19:16

You are well rid. :(

Does your dad know about his violence?

slowginny · 06/04/2012 19:19

Oh my darling, you have been through the wars haven't you. If it's appropriate for you, do consider getting in touch with Gingerbread for information and a bit of hand holding. They also have a super network of local friendship groups.

Sweepitundertherug · 06/04/2012 19:31

Oh flump, you are better off without is waste if space of a man x

You must get in touch with woman's aid.

You mustnt feel pressured from your community either to stay with him. Woman's aid can also help with that. X

flumpkins · 06/04/2012 19:46

Thank You everyone for all your advice and sharing info about help networks. I don't know if I am brave enough to tell anyone about this in real life.

I just feel so ashamed. I hid this from everyone. I even made out to the HV that we were in a really happy place and H was a great help. I was on such a high after DS was born and thought having another baby would make us a much closer family and that he would be happy about having two beautiful children. How will I explain to DD's nursery? How will I explain this to friends and family...I feel nauseous thinking about it.

In regards to my Dad - he knows that he is a hard person to live with as he spends around 3-4 months of the year living with us. He's seen how when I try to strike up a conversation with him, I am ignored and only when I scream or shout do I get a reply. My Dad knows and so does my sister and they aren't happy, but they keep out of our life incase it inflames the situation even more.

I keep remembering last year when I was pregnant he threatened me and said "just you wait and see what I do with you". Things were okay between us after that for months and months, but I know what he meant now. I don't know who said it above (sorry) but he probably will start sending more money over for a bigger house and then get married again and keep her over there. I know he doesn't care about our children, they're just a burden to him. I know he wanted me pregnant after marriage so that when I came back to the UK, I would have no choice but to bring him over for the sake of our baby.

OP posts:
garlicbutter · 06/04/2012 19:55

What a vile specimen. I'm so sorry you and your children have had to put up with all that for so long.

After reading what you said about waiting for your Dad's hug when he came home, I felt your father would be distraught to think of his little granddaughter learning to stay out of her dad's way. Now you say he knows what XH is like, it really must be worth talking to him. Would it be easier to ask your sister to start the conversation?

I quite often find myself saying "I didn't really tell you at the time, but ..." to break a silence. Mostly, people know you've been silencing yourself so the only embarrassing thing to get past is where they say Why didn't you tell us?
They know, really, though, they don't need an answer.

PurplePidjin · 06/04/2012 20:00

they keep out of our life incase it inflames the situation even more.

Sounds like they'll be chuffed to bits!

Start small with telling people. Either Dad, or sister, or a confidential organization like the Samaritans. As long as you're safe from him??

HillyWallaby · 06/04/2012 20:03

I doubt he wants to go home to be honest, not yet anyway. There are plenty of the sort of girls he wants back home - I imagine taking on a fiesty British girl with totally different expectations of the marriage would present something of a challenge for an unreconstructed male like him. There must have been a reason you were worth it - I think you are right, I think he just wanted the passport. Sad And now he has it, he is free to leave you and marry some other poor unsuspecting girl from home and ship her over here like she was something he ordered off the internet, only she won't have the language or the friendship network or the confidence to fight back. Sad

But you did. Smile So. Onward and upward, my girl. No looking back. Whatever challenges you are about to face, they are nothing compared to wasting your life on a man who doesn't love or respect you. Don't forget that.

Wolfgirl · 06/04/2012 20:19

flumpkins I just heard this... and thought of you. I understand you have your hands full.... but perhaps what has happened will be good for you long term... have a listen...

cookcleanerchaufferetc · 06/04/2012 20:30

Tell your family what is happening and let them help and support you. Do not let him back in your life ever, for your sake and your kids. He is a vile disgusting man, it is a shame he can't be deported, given you said he used you for a visa. You have done nothing wrong, be strong and stand up to him from this day forward.

eggkr · 06/04/2012 20:36

Im finding it hard to be sad about this flump It may well be the best thing that ever happens to you. Surround yourself with family and friends and sort out your benefits if you are entitled to them and sit back and enjoy your new lovely life.
What is wrong with him that he cant make his own food,had he arms and legs?

Dreamless · 06/04/2012 20:45

eggkr - I'm pretty sure his arms and legs were fine, but when the brain is missing it makes it harder to use your limbs. Grin

ajuba · 06/04/2012 21:09

flumpkins. Sounds like he just used you for a visa. I'm from the same background as you and in a similar situation but not quite as bad. I know you are probably worried about your wider family and community finding out but be strong and stick to your decision. I'm weak and staying in my unhappy marriage with someone from back home just because of my family. I know in years to come I will regret not leaving him and I'm hoping I'll get the courage to do it some time. Good luck hun.

flumpkins · 06/04/2012 21:51

Thank You once again everyone.

I've texted my sister and told her he's left us, and I told her about the physical abuse too. She lives abroad and will probably read it in the morning. My Dad is with her at the moment. Dad has seen and knows how H acts with DD...he won't even pick her up incase she rubs her shoes on his clothes and ruins them.

My brother phoned earlier to ask me how I am. He said he won't phone or message H as it'll give him too much importance and that's what he wants. He said he doesn't want to talk to him anymore after what I've told him.

I've been made to feel like a bitch for so long - I've been constantly told by him that I shout and I have no respect for him and I speak to him derogatively for the past 5 years. There is only so much a person can put up with. He has completely ruined my life. I just regret the day I agreed to marry him, I could have easily said no, and that would have been that.

Someone asked why I didn't mention the abuse in the OP - he hasn't done it again since May last year. We haven't really had a huge row since then either - up until yesterday, and I don't even class that as a huge fight. It's like he was waiting for an excuse to get up and go.

He can't get British citizenship until he fills out the form and sends them our marriage certificate and my passport. He is not getting his hands on my passport.

OP posts:
flumpkins · 06/04/2012 21:57

ajuba - do you have any children? Please don't stay in an unhappy marriage just for the sake of it. You deserve someone who you love and who loves you.

OP posts:
geekette · 06/04/2012 22:10

5 years... wow... i would have been out the moment i was forced into pregnancy...

I am glad you are rid of him. Have you changed the locks yet? I think he'll be back for whatever documentation he needs for citizenship, most likely grovelling and very sorry and pleading and promising it will never happen again bla bla... don't give in.
That said, I suspect he will have some form of right to stay because of the children.

To be completely honest, I do not think you should care what his next move would be. Just change the locks and get moral, health and legal help as advised by others above. Good luck breaking the news in RL. Glad you are getting some support from your siblings.

garlicbunny · 06/04/2012 22:45

What a relief that you're getting supportive feedback from your brother, flumpkins :) Well done on contacting your sister, too!

Hopefully your family will rally round and prove you're no longer alone (as you have been in your marriage) and are loved. I still think it'll be worth your while to contact some of the aid agencies for advice. I know Women's Aid will be snowed under as it's a bank holiday - shame DV is so predictable :( But, reinforced by real-life support, you should be feeling much stronger by next week, and ready to call.

I do fear XH will return, or send someone to do his dirty work, so having someone nearby (your bro?) and a bolt on the doors could be useful.

Much love, and enjoy the quiet time with your DC.

Ajuba - can you take encouragement from flumpkins?

PessimisticMissPiggy · 07/04/2012 12:03

Do you have any friends that will look after your passport for you?

loeeloee · 07/04/2012 12:30

Can you report him to the UKBA? He might be breaking the conditions of his visa.

empirestateofmind · 07/04/2012 13:18

Can you report your suspicions to the UKBA? It would be worth flagging him up to them.

I think you should change the locks so he can't appear unannounced.

Definitely keep your passport away from him. If your children have got passports keep them safe and make sure he can't order more passports for them himself.

Wishing you luck- you sound very together and strong. Please look after yourself though for the children's sake.

Praguemum · 07/04/2012 13:56

Whatever your background, I assume you want better than this for your daughter. Please consider that the cycle of abuse is likely to continue for her if you don't make it stop now. You sound like a very strong woman, so i'm sure you can find the strength to continue without him (life will be much easier, I suspect). Please contact Refuge if you think there is even a small chance he will come back and be violent towards you. If you start to lose your resolve, just imagine the damage it is doing to your daughter to witness this situation.

LondonNinja · 07/04/2012 14:29

He is a disgusting specimen of a 'man'. Does he think you are his slave?! Hope the bastard gets the book thrown at his selfish, backward face. Fuckwit.

You and your kids deserve better. And, as for 'shame' - he is the only one who should be feeling that (I come from an Asian background so I know what you mean by it).

I'm so angry on your behalf...

FlangelinaBallerina · 07/04/2012 19:38

(Just a brief bit of information- not wishing to derail the discussion as I don't think this is the place to discuss the rights and wrongs of the Immigration Rules, but OP might find it beneficial)

The only way he's breaking the conditions of his leave to remain is if he's still on a spousal visa. If he's got Indefinite Leave to Remain now, which it sounds like he probably has, he isn't required to remain in a relationship with you. Reporting this to UKBA would be a waste of time if that's the case. However, he can't naturalise as British if he's got an outstanding criminal conviction. And they'd put any application on hold while a police investigation is pending, too. Just a thought.

flumpkins · 07/04/2012 21:01

I thought that would be the case Flangelina. Thank You.

Well my sister is livid. She can't believe I didn't tell anyone about the hitting. She is going to H's cousin's house tomorrow to tell them what he's been doing. She said I should never have tried again for another baby if he had been hitting me, and should have got rid the first time it happened. H's cousin also told my Dad he's left, and Dad is really worried for me now. I think H has told his family he's divorcing me. I just texted him to ask if our marriage is over and he hasn't replied.

I'm really scared. Divorced women in our culture are basically shunned. I'll be the one blamed for the marriage ending and I'll be called names under the sun for not holding the house together. How could I have kept a happy home, when my husband didn't want to work with me to make it work?

OP posts:
PurplePidjin · 07/04/2012 21:44

I'm not from that background and have an immense amount of respect for a woman strong enough to walk away from an abusive relationship. Making friends from a range of backgrounds might help alleviate the shame heaped on you by your own culture, perhaps? It sounds like your family are fully behind you too, so hopefully you won't be exposed to too much disapproval.