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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:
StickorFold · 28/04/2012 23:57

I am on my phone so excuse short typing! Am ready to call police if needed, thanks.

Not a feeling. I started singing we're all going on a summer holiday, pretty normal for me Blush and he said "when? Monday? or maybe Tuesday" he has twice mentioned helicopters and hot air balloons in passing conversations, (trust him to pick up on the bit about another man!) and he hasn't mentioned sex once, unheard of on a Saturday night.

Don't know what to do? Am trying to carry on acting normal, all he has to do is not go to working Monday and it's over.

I'm shaking. I'm so angry.

OP posts:
mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 00:10

SoF, don't know how he can or if he could have found out, hopefully it's just a massive coincidence, but sounds unlikely.
Thinking of you. Always here xxx

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 00:17

Think he has either seen my phone, (wouldn't surprise me if he checks it) or he has been checking on mn because hes obviously seen ive been back on it and stumbled on the thread, it has been quite active at times, and even from the first post he'd know it's him.

He is up there now, snoring away, not a care in the world, he knows I know he knows (bloody hell!), he can sleep like a baby tonight. I am so angry, feel like going and getting the kids and just going, but there is no way I could get them out quietly.

OP posts:
Lifeinlalaland · 29/04/2012 00:19

If you believe he will try to physically stop you and harm you or your children then you need to speak to the police. If you don't then you can pack up and take the children anytime. The rest is just excuses and making it harder than it needs to be and turning it into a bigger drama than needed.

I see nothing you have said which indicates you would be in fear of yours or your childrens physical safety when leaving. (note I said WHEN LEAVING) I think you are looking for a reason not to go. It's all over if he knows? BS., It's over if you don't take your kids and get away from this abusive man. Sorry you have suffered but at the end of the day just go.

Just do it.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 00:27

Thanks for that bloody big kick in the teeth.

I have no idea what he would do if he caught us leaving.

One week ago, almost exactly, he had sex with me when I was pleading with him not to and telling him he was hurting me.

I had no idea he was going to do that either.

OP posts:
mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 00:33

No idea what to say except we are here, as always xxx

keepcalmandeatcupcakes · 29/04/2012 00:44

If he does know - and by the sound of it he does. Could you possibly not leave tonight ? Could you not call the Police and get them to come around while you pack and leave? Drive somewhere else other than your mothers. Surely Monday or Tuesday he will be expecting it.??

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 00:58

Don't want to phone police unless I HAVE to, the kids don't need to see that. I have no where else to drive to anyway, well obviously MoK's, but that is 2+ hours away.

Think I am going to have to go to bed, do what I was planning to do tomorrow anyway, and see what happens. Don't think I've got a choice.

OP posts:
StickorFold · 29/04/2012 00:59

I can't do this, I am so fucking angry. I feel like a train is driving through my head at 200mph. All of this has been for nothing hasn't it? He's already won.

OP posts:
fruityloop · 29/04/2012 01:24

Stickorfold, this is my first time on mumsnet, and this is the first thread ive read. Please DO NOT LET HIM WIN!! I feel like jumping in the car, and coming and getting you out myself. It sounds like something is up, but go with what you planned anyway. Please get some advice from womens aid now, you are so motivated to go, i dont want it to stop. I have everything crossed for you that you get the fresh start you deserve. Reading about what he did to you makes me want to cry. You are so strong, and you have been through so much, you deserve the light at the end of the tunnel. Ill be thinking of you x

FatherDougalMcGuire · 29/04/2012 06:05

Stick, he has not won, because I truly believe you ARE strong enough to leave him, whether he is out of the house or not. You have the full support of yout dais and her DH, when you wake up this morning then text her, and they will come and get you, and your lovely dc's and take you to safety.

You can't stay with this man sweetheart, he is going to kill you, if not physically then mentally he will destroy who you are... you cannot let that happen, (not for your dc's, although they will know you are unhappy, and think that is what marriage is about, which makes them vulnerable to a bad marriage themselves) but more importantly for YOU. You sound like such a lovely person, you are worthy of being loved and respected and have the right to feel safe in your own home.

I understamd you feeling that if he is there you cannot leave. I Have been in an abusive relationship where I felt the other person has such power over me that when he was physically there I felt powerlesss, i couldnt put on music or eat food from the cupboards or go out without permission. It was not a life, it was a prison sentence. I can see that he has undermined your confidence and self worth to the point that you almost feel you need permission to live. But Please leave, he really cannot stop you if you are intent on going....especially if your dais and. Her DH are present. there is NO shame in havig help, it makes leaving no less real or fought for on your part. He can't stay off work and 'guard' you forever. I believe in you, that you can do this, I know you can, please get out, just take that step and you will be free to be yourself forever.

FatherDougalMcGuire · 29/04/2012 06:13

Oh and lifeinlalaland, if you think a man capable of raping his wife is not a danger to her and the children then you truly ARE in lalaland. What a thoughtless post!

mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 06:35

How are things? Xx

mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 07:11

I have been hoping during the night it was just a coincidence. If he knew would he just have gone to bed?

If he has read this thread though, he knows the marriage is over; dare I dream he would accept his responsibility and be amicable?

The H I know wouldn't hurt any of them (or so I thought) and I know he loves and adores their boys, maybe if he has read this he'd accept that it's over? Wishful thinking I think!

horsetowater · 29/04/2012 08:23

Lala please look at the DV statistics, patterns of behaviour etc. DP has clearly found out what's happening.

Stickorfold, I suggest you start a new thread and cover your tracks. I'm not sure what to suggest other than to get help from the professionals, WA or SS.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 08:26

He's left me in bed to catch up on some sleep because her heard me in the night, so while I am sat up here, not able to sleep, he is down there probably reading this!

He won't give us up. I think I have come to realise her doesn't love and adore us, he is obsessed with us. Big difference.

I feel sick, my head is pounding, I'm to stay in bed and pretend I've slept, and be grateful for the chance of an extra hour. I feel like I am going to explode.

I just want to get the boys and go, I don't give a shit about the car tax or the money, or anything to take with us. I just want to get us away from him forever.

OP posts:
mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 08:33

So glad you have posted x

What are you going to do? Has he said anything?

horsetowater · 29/04/2012 08:41

I suggest you stay off here for a while. I think we've all said what we need to say - get the thread deleted.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 08:41

I am just going to have to stick to the plan, I don't know what else to do. I guess tomorrow morning I'll know if he knows. Wouldn't surprise me if he goes out as normal, and heads straight for mum's because that's been what I've said I couldn't deal with all along.

I guess it is going to be a very long stressful day tomorrow. The same as today I suppose!

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StickorFold · 29/04/2012 08:43

HorseToWater, no if he's seen it, it's too late anyway, and if he hasn't, it is too valuable to me to lose right now. If nothing else, If he does turn violent or tries to take the kids or something, this thread should help me evidence wise.

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mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 08:45

You poor thing. If there is ANYTHING we can do please don't hesitate calling, texting, anything and we will be there x

I'm going to try to go to sleep for an hour now I know you're ok!

GColdtimer · 29/04/2012 08:46

But you will have a head start because he doesn't have a car so you will have upper hand? Ir have i got that wrong? Could your sis meet you there. What are your plans today? Is he going to be around? Could you just not go today?

And just second what everyone else is saying. You have been so brave. Don't waver now. Xx

TheHappyHissy · 29/04/2012 08:47

You'll have to look at your computer's history to know for sure. If he's 'up to speed' then you ARE going to need police help to go. Can you call 101 and tell them?

They know that the most dangerous time IS the actual time of leaving, he's raped you repeatedly, sadly he'll only let you go if HE wants, not if it's just your decision, for you and for your DC.

For THIS VERY REASON, you must go, you must leave, and actually, I'd do it today, steal a March on him. That's Tthe reason why he's up btw, so you don't go in his sleep. Please call 101 now, and if he makes ANY move at all, 999. He could be dangerous.

TheHappyHissy · 29/04/2012 08:51

Can someone send a PM to our dear friend here get a thread in OTBT and let's try to regain some advantage.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 08:58

Thanks MoK, sorry to do this to you, I should have just not told you till today/tomorrow. Lots of love x

I am ready to phone police. And am going to ring 101 later to tell them we're leaving tomorrow. Thing is, if I tell them what he did, will they only act if I want to press charges (because I don't), will just saying that I am scared of him be enough?

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