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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

What to do? (EA? SA?) Legal advice needed as well please - warning, it is extremely long!

493 replies

StickorFold · 25/04/2012 10:57

This is going to be long and warbled, and might not make too much sense, maybe a bit bitty, but will try and put as much as much detail in as I can so I'm not adding to it after.

Firstly, I am an old MN'er, used to be a prolific poster, so it may be that the odd one of you may work out who I am, I would really appreciate it if anyone that suspects just keeps it to themselves please.

Secondly, think it goes against MN rules to have two accounts, though I hope for this one occasion we can over look this, as it is the only way I feel safe enough to get this out and hopefully gain some advice.

Thirdly, I may not be able to reply as ofter as I'd like, but will try my best to get on when I can.

OK, so, background: H and I have been married for 11 and a half years, three children, he is a good, loving dad, he works extremely hard (60hrs a month), he is ace at helping out around the house, he does most of the cooking, involved in bath times/bedtimes (when he is here), he does put the kids first in everything, and that reason, and that reason alone, is the only reason we are still together now.

I also work, of sorts, I have two failed/failing businesses under my belt, and am now working part time while youngest is at nursery and the older two are in school, plus evenings/weekends (17-20 hrs a week). I will be coming back to my 'job' in a bit.

His 13 years older than me, we met when I was 17, moved into a flat together, got engaged, got married, and (planned) DC within 3 months of us meeting. At the time, I thought he really must have loved me, now realise he pushed us both into it, nearly losing my family along the way (didn't speak to my lovely mum for over a year, she missed my eledest's pregnancy/birth/first xmas etc.), I lost all of my friends, he didn't have any as he had moved from a different part of the country to be with me, because he loved me soooo much Hmm

He told me about a week before we got married that he had two children, by different women, that were only 5 and 6 years younger than me (the children!). He said he was young and stupid and that he'd never seen either of them, though he did pay a very small amount of CSA (big of him, eh? WHY couldn't I see it at the time? Angry) I have since found out that actually he did live with the mother of the second child for a while after she was born, but that it didn't work out, so all the 'firsts' we were doing to gether with our first child, weren't actually his firsts at all Sad.

He'd had a long term relationship with someone who he said he never wanted to marry, or have children with, even though she wanted to desperately, he apparently just left her one day, and then met me within 4/5 months and declaired his undying love ("I didn't love her enough, she was nothing like you, didn't I prove that when I married you and not her?")

He had a difficult upbringing, don't want to go into too much detail as I don't feel that would be fair of me, but, very quickly, his mum left him, his older siblings and his dad when H was very young, and by the time he was a young teen, his siblings had all moved out, and his dad had practically moved in with a new lady, H was fending for himself from 14yo.

Over the course of our marriage, I have obviously matured from being a 17yo girl (in essence), and over the last 3-4 years I have come to realise that H is (subtly) EA. He was very controlling over a friendship I had with a girl, to the point where we ended up moving 30 miles away, which was very convieniant for him. And it was the turning point in my mind, I could see as clear as day what was going on, what he was doing to me, and I told him we were over, neither of us could afford to move out, so we carried on staying under the same roof, big mistake, within a month, you'd never know we were going to split. I have now 'lost touch' with my friend, and have no others.

Since then, I have done a fair amount of burying my head in the sand, trying to 'tune in' to when he was preasuring me in any way etc. couple of times I known for sure and talked to him about it, he always wormed his way out of it, and after a few days of uncomfortableness (for me) I'd get over it and it was placed under that very lumpy carpet, with all the rest of the shit.

Throughout the whole time we have been a family, he has always (and I believe will always) love the kids wholely, and properly, there are a couple of very small odd things that have become sticking points over the years (e.g. he insists that when we all eat dinner, we don't cut into a boiled potato (or whatever) and just eat the potato, we also cut a bit of the fish (or whatever!) and eat the fish and potato at the same time, I know that is really odd, but it is just one of the tiny things that sticks in my head) He also can never seem to manage the small things we ask of him, e.g. I have two sugars in my cup of tea, he never ever puts two in, why not? Hmm

About two-ish years ago, I got very drunk, with him at home, saturday night, overdid the wine, not a regular occurance. When I woke up in the morning I thought I could remember him having sex with me in the middle of the night, I asked him and he denied it, I questioned myself (was I that drunk/dreaming?) but (sorry for TMI) I found the 'evidence' as I went to the bathroom, if you follow my drift? So I knew he had, I thought maybe he was drunk as well and couldn't remember. Wrote it off as a strange night.

Since then I have woken up to feeling him ejaculating on me, or wiping me with his t-shirt after he has ejaculated on me, or woken up just as he has tried to actually put his willy in me, sometimes I have asked him what the bloody hell he thinks he's doing, sometimes I just pretend I'm still asleep. Any time I bring it up, I apparently should feel lucky that he still wants me after so long, and after the children, and if I was more willing he wouldn't have to resort to these measures. Now I am the first one to admit, our sex life has suffered over the years, we tend to go in spits and spats, sometimes it can be two or three weeks, sometimes 5 or 6 times a week, no pattern to it, sometimes it is when I am most angry/hurt that we have more sex, not sure if that is me trying to regain some control?

Money has always been a problem, we've never seemed to have enough(!) (though TBF we have never been as tight as it is right now, now we are struggling for food at times, whereas, whilst there might not have been much left over 12 months ago, there was some) I was a SAHM until 2 years ago, I have tried and failed two different businesses (trying to work around child care etc.) neither of which had big outlays, but both of which really needed money for advertising that we just didn't/haven't got.

H point blank refused for me to get a part-time evening job, either in a bar/shop/etc. Saying that we'd never see each other, I'd miss the kid's bedtimes etc. But we were desperate for money. That stupid bloody program came on the telly about the phone sex line girls, H jumped on it, said it was be perfect for me, I could do it while the kids were out, and maybe some evenings to get extra money in, and that it might open my mind a bit and give us a boost in our sex lives. So for the past 4 weeks I have spent many evenings, in and out of the garage conversion, to deal with bedtimes etc. while trying to take/dodge calls from people. He will say things like "Did you touch yourself for any of them?" "Have you made much on your wank line?" "Oooo, bet you're all turned on now, talking to those other men". He sits in the living room watching the phone to know exactly when I'm on the phone and when I'm not, watching porn, sending me pictures of his errect penis over a photo of me, sending videos of himself wanking over pictures of me on the laptop etc. This is all supposed to get me in the mood... Hmm and Sad and Angry.

So, after a shit week last week, and having made some extra money, I went and bought us some wine on Saturday, I drank nearly two bottles (again, I like wine, but not usually that much!) H actually poured the last glass of the second bottle but I said I'd had enough and was going to bed, we had sex and I went to sleep. Next thing I remember waking up, he was on top of me, having sex with me, my legs were closed underneath him, he was completely squashing me, I was whimpering, actually whimpering (makes my bloody boil when I think how I was), I was saying no, ow, no, but strangely, I wasn't screaming and shouting it, or trying to move away or anything, I was just a pathetic whimpering heap, why didn't I try to stop him? He ejeculated in me and gave me an extra tight squeeze, and rolled off me. I asked him why he just carried on when I was saying no, and he said he thought I was moaning in pleasure Hmm He asked if we were ok, I said yes, rolled over and went to sleep.

He spent Sunday morning walking on egg shells, being extra nice, I didn't say a word about it and just acted normal, thinking I needed time to work out what I was going to do, and it was best to keep my cards to my chest as it were.

Yesturday we got into bed, he asked, actually asked, out of the blue, "can I cum on you?" I said no in a lighttone and pointed to the bathroom, he seemed to shrug it off, gave me a kiss on my cheek, turned over and started to fall asleep, I turned over and led there with my eyes open, he obviously presumed I was asleep, he started wanking, I purposefully moved to see what he would do, he just carried straight on, I heard/felt him get his t-shirt to clean up (it is always his t-shirts) and then he was asleep, I came downstairs and cried. He has absolutely no respect for me, I think the porn thing is playing a part in this, he never (seemed to) used it before a couple of years ago, and slowly but steadily, he has been using it more, and in the same time frame I am becoming more and more of his object to do with as he pleases, when he pleases.

So, for anyone that has got this far (and bloody well done if you did!) firstly, am I being unfair on the kids to take them away from their dad when he is brilliant with them? They love him to bits, it will break their hearts and I don't want to risk being the cause of the that.

Secondly, we rent our house (both names on tenancy), he owns the car but I drive it 99% of the time, we have no savings etc. My mum lives 200 miles away and it is the only place I could go. The only way I can get away from him, with some money in my pocket to get us there and a means of getting us there is if when he next get's paid (last working day of each month) to move some money from our joint account to my own, (this will leave bills here unpaid), take the car, pack up everything I can get in it, and take the kids and I to my mums. He will know exactly where I am, I'm not scared of him, but the fact I have cut all ties (except the kids obv.), will show him that we are over. He will hate it, he will hate me for doing it, but he will calm down fairly quickly, and realise he's pushed it too far, for the sake of seeing the kids.

Would I be facing any legal repercussions in taking the car/money? I just dont know how else to do it.

Right, this is humongous, I am sure I still haven't given all the details, but I really just wanted to get as much as I could down. Thanks to anyone who has made it to the end, and if anyone has any advice, I am all eyes ears.

OP posts:
MrsMcEnroe · 28/04/2012 11:34

Hi StickorFold, you are doing AMAZINGLY well - I am in awe of you!

Re. the car tax: do you have the reminder that came through the post? - if you do, you can just ring the number on there (or do it online) and renew the tax NOW. You don't need to actually have posession of the insurance document or the MOT certificate to do this, as it is all checked electronically.

I always renew my car tax this way. I have never, ever had the insurance certificate or MOT certificate with me.

Hope this helps.

If not - 2 more sleeps. Hang in there. The treasure boxes are a brilliant and lovely idea Smile

I have a feeling that, in a few years' time, you'll be heading up a very successful company or running as an MP or something - there's something very courageous, warm and inspiring about you that comes across strongly in your posts xxx

StickorFold · 28/04/2012 12:08

Well, that didn't take long! They are still filling their boxes, beds are done, though can't find DS3's, worst comes to the worst I'll have to get him a new one.

It is good to know that about the reminder letter, it is on the kitchen side with the MOT etc. ready for Monday, but the reason I wanted to go to the post office for it was so I get the actual disc in my hand, if they send it through the post it is just more hassle. But, if we do have to leave quickly, I can quickly grab it on the way out.

Do you know that money sitting there is giving me all sorts of thoughts of going today, just getting the boys in the car and leaving, then I have to talk myself out of it. C'mon Monday hurry up!!

Oh and, the MP thing, and with two businesses down the pan already, not sure any of that will happen, but thank you! Grin

OP posts:
MrsMcEnroe · 28/04/2012 12:14

Just go, please. Take the boys, boxes, reminder letter, go go go. Get yourself out of there. There's a tiny bit of you that still doesn't want to uspet your husband, and that is what's keeping you there this weekend. All this talk of leaving "in the right way" - it is just an excuse, you know .... As is the wanting to have the tax disc actually in your hand.

You will not get into trouble initially for not displaying a valid tax disc as long as you have renewed it online/on the phone .... next week, or the week after, ring the DVLA and arrange to get a new one sent to you (they only post them in the regular post, not recorded or anything, so just say that you never received the original one and give them your new address - you'll probably have to sent them the car's V5 and change the address on there too). It's a 10-minute job that can be put off for a week or two.

Hope I haven't overstepped the mark here; you know I'm on your side.

MrsMcEnroe · 28/04/2012 12:15

Don't put yourself in the position of "having to leave quickly" as per your last post. Leave before that situation arises.

StickorFold · 28/04/2012 12:23

There is not a single cell in my whole body staying for him, there really isn't. And if it were just me, I'd have gone last Sunday. But, I know how he works, I know the first thing he will do is follow us, I know it is going to take us somewhere between 3-4 hours longer to get there than it will him. I know if he is chasing us, he's already won. I know if he catches us, he will do anything to not let go, and I can't risk that with the kids.

I know you are on my side, and believe me, my head is screaming the same thing you're saying at me, but it doesn't make sense to take the risk. If I had 12 big men coming to save me I'd not even think about staying, for a single second longer, but since it's just me and the roundabouts, it really isn't worth it!

OP posts:
Dee03 · 28/04/2012 12:27

Ive just read this whole thread and want to offer some virtual support.

Good luck and keep posting. Xx

MrsMcEnroe · 28/04/2012 12:28

Oh Christ, where are you? - I'll come and get you myself if you're within 100 miles or so of me .... or will send DH, he's massive. Seriously.

I'll back off now Smile. Keep posting love xxx

StickorFold · 28/04/2012 12:48

Thank you Dee :)

Ha ha MrsMcEnroe, have you got a helecopter or a hot air balloon? I always fancied being saved by a massive bloke who could fly! Wink

I don't know if/when I'll be posting again, he's going to be home within 45 mins, will try and get on tomorrow while I'm bannished to the garage, but internet doesn't always work out there. Depending on time etc. will try again Monday morning before we go (if I am waiting for his call), maybe MoK will be able to update on Monday evening? I don't know.

Have to go and make it look like I've been busy all morning, house looks like a bomb has hit it, the non-treasured toys are everywhere, kids have undressed themselves (I swear they think clothes are the work of the devil!) and I haven't even gotten dressed yet, and I smell all yesterday-ish... yuk! And I am actually feeling hungry for the first time in a week!

Right, I am going, I will be able to read any comments so if anyone feels like cheering me on, do feel free to do so! And thank you to everyone this week, the support you have all given me, and the clear mindedness, well, it is going to save my family, I can't say thanks enough for that.

One thing is for sure: I will see you on the other side Grin Wish us luck! xxx

OP posts:
MrsMcEnroe · 28/04/2012 12:54

Well here's a massive CHEER from me and looking forward to hearing from you or your sister next week .... and I meant it, if you need to, PM me and I'll try to help. xxx

ExitPursuedByABear · 28/04/2012 13:20

You don't need to tax the car on Monday. Just take all the documentation with you and tax the car when you get to your Mum's - Tuesday is 1st May but you can have a couple of days leeway so you won't need to do it until Wed or Thur. One less thing to do on Monday morning and means you can leave earlier.

Just a thought.

Dee03 · 28/04/2012 13:46

If you lived near to me i would help too but unfortunately im in south east!

sugarice · 28/04/2012 14:34

Just wanted to say before you log off; lots and lots of luck and sending you virtual hugs Smile.Monday is your new beginning.

crikeybill · 28/04/2012 17:03

Oh my god my heart is on my mouth. I've just read this whole thread in one go. It reads like a book !! I've just finished a busy week at work but I wish it was Monday already for your sake !
My god you must be on tenterhooks cos I am !!!
Good luck to you. It's amazing how far you've come in a week !! I hope it goes well x

LondonKitty · 28/04/2012 17:46

Took me two days to read whole thread in between everything else. Unbelievable! You should sell your story to Hollywood!

How about developing a mysterious 'itch' down there that you tell him must be an infection? You'll need to go to the doctor (or a special women's clinic in a further away town?) on Monday (hence might not be able to take phone messages) and obviously he will need to keep well away from you...

FashionEaster · 28/04/2012 20:03

Very good luck. Don't bother taxing the car on Monday, just do it when you get to your mum's. The more of a head start you can get the better for your peace of mind.

mumofkyle · 28/04/2012 20:13

Hope you are ok SoF. I have just sent a text but sent it like my usual. I just really want this stage over for you. You ears must be burning as we can't talk or think of anything else at the minute - youre making me turn to wine - any excuse hey?
I really wish we could help you on Monday; I hate the thought of you doing it on your own. I know it's important to you to do it but we are ready and willing to come and get you.

MrsMcEnroe · 28/04/2012 20:32

Hi mumofkyle

You're fabulous Smile Wish I had a sister like you. Keeping everything crossed for your sister over the next few days.

Sallyingforth · 28/04/2012 22:43

Hello StickorFold
I'm new on MN but have just read the whole of this thread.
I don't know which I admire most - your courage in working through this terrible time, or the support you have been given here.
But I do know that you are doing the right thing and you will come out of it a happier and stronger person.

StickorFold · 28/04/2012 22:47

I have to be quick, I think he knows. Will get back on ASAP. I'm ok. One way or the other we are going, just might not be as planned. MoK will ring if I need you. x

OP posts:
JustinBoobie · 28/04/2012 22:52

You can do this, many many women will be inspired by you.... Be brave. Stay strong.

You are my hero.

keepcalmandeatcupcakes · 28/04/2012 22:53

Clear internet history and cookies fast. If all fails, say you were planning a surprise holiday for you all . Good luck

FatherDougalMcGuire · 28/04/2012 22:53

Oh shit SOF, I hope you are wrong. keep your courage don't let him stop you or change your mind, and please stay safe. Make sure you call your sister even if you only slightly feel unsafe! I have my fingers firmly crossed for you.

JustinBoobie · 28/04/2012 22:54

Why??? Just a feeling???? Dont panic... Stay strong! Thinking of you!!

solidgoldbrass · 28/04/2012 23:01

If you have to call the police, call them. Any aggression or acting up from this piece of shit, call the police. Any bad consequences for him will be his own fault. Remember that he is contemptible and you have every right to leave him and take yourself and DC somewhere safe from rape and abuse.

mumofkyle · 28/04/2012 23:37

Fuck SoF I've been crying to with my Dh tonight, what's happened. Please let me know you're ok? Xx

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