Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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 · 29/04/2012 12:30

I've told her. Going to calm down and get home some how.

OP posts:
mistlethrush · 29/04/2012 12:46

SoF, can you arrange to text MoK at prearranged times with something inconsequential (make sure history deleted) for confirmation all is OK until you actually go? And if the agreed text doesn't come within an acceptable time limit, can MoK take appropriate action (ie ring local police or similar?)

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 14:35

I have just spoken to MoK, feel a bit wiped out now TBH.

One more night, this time tomorrow should hopefully be coming towards The Bastarding Roundabout, and on MoK's advice I will just drive over the bloody thing if needs be!

If I can get through this last week, then I can get through the next 24hrs.

Right, am going to start on the paperwork. Does anyone know, if I take the car doc that states he is the owner (don't know what it's called?!) Is that enough for me to sell the car? Or would I need him to sign it over to me in some way? An I right in thinking that because I am down as a named driver on the insurance that gives me some right to it? If it makes any difference it was paid for out right by money we made on the sale of our house.

Figured if I'm asking for nothing else (except the kids toys) then I deserve the car, but it needs some work doing on it, if I sell it, I can get another one, that will be smaller but hopefully newer?

OP posts:
MrsMcEnroe · 29/04/2012 14:42

The car document is called the V5. If your DH's name is on it as the registered keeper, he will need to sign the form when the car is sold.

Is his signature easily forgeable? My DH's signature is ...!

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 14:48

Thank you Smile Yes, I can do his signature, but is it something I should do? Is it better to leave it here and hope he plays ball?

OP posts:
MrsMcEnroe · 29/04/2012 14:58

Are we SURE that your DH isn't reading this thread?

No, it's not something you should do as forging someone's signature on a legal document is a crime!

If you were to sell the car, how would you and the 3 DCs get around? Is there a good public transport system where you're going?

He isn't going to play ball love. And if he does, it will be for appearance's sake - to lull you into a false sense of security aimed at convincing you to return for another god-knows-how-many years of abuse and humiliation. You need to stop kidding yourself that you are giving him an opportunity to play ball / do the decent thing - what you're actually doing is continuing the pretence that he is a decent human being.

He isn't. He never has been. He is incapable of it.

xxx

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 15:13

If I was to sell it, it would be to buy a smaller, newer (so hopefully in better condition) replacement car. Only reason I'm thinking about selling it, or trading it in because it needs new tyres, handbrake, and the front brakes are getting worn (it is safe, just needs doing sooner rather than later) but it is money I haven't got. So thought if I could swap it for a smaller car with less toys etc on then could hopefully get one with less work needing doing.

I think what I am actually doing is thinking about things that don't really matter right now, to stop me thinking about the obvious!

So what do I do? Take the v5 or leave it? BTW, we will never ever be get back together, or trying again, or doing it for the boys, or anything. The thought of that TWAT(!) coming anywhere near me turns my stomach, I can't stand even looking at him.

So, leave it or take it?

Also, have found my passport, but not the kid's, and I have found all three of their birth certificates, but not mine. I have no idea where else to look for them.

Can't remember what else I need to take? Blush

OP posts:
StickorFold · 29/04/2012 15:14

And, sorry yes, sure he isn't reading it. If he was, he knows my family knows, he knows it's over, and he has done nothing, that isn't him at all.

OP posts:
CiderwithBuda · 29/04/2012 15:17

Dont worry about the car paper. Tbh it's the least of your worries. You can't sell it unless he signs it over.

Passports more of a worry. Could he have hidden them? Keep looking!

CiderwithBuda · 29/04/2012 15:19

Cross posted.

Actually I am (prob overly dramatically!) worried that he has read thread and is lulling you into a false sense of security.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 15:29

So I'll leave the car doc.

I really don't know where else to look for the passports. There are only two because the youngest hasn't ever had one, and the eldest two's are out of date. (Not been on holiday for years, god, I would do almost anything for a week of sun now!)

I really don't know where else to look. I think there is a box of paperwork in a cupboard upstairs, but I think it is old old old old stuff, can't look today, will have to whizz through it tomorrow. Failing that, I don't know.

OP posts:
mumofkyle · 29/04/2012 15:42

I really don't think he has read this thread, as SoF says if he has he knows everything is over, he couldn't be carrying on as usual.

As the passports are out of date, I wouldn't worry too much, we can sort that out at a later date.

I'm really glad I spoke to you earlier, even if a lot of my words came out wrong - you know what I meant Wink. We are so proud how you are handling yourself.

I'm off for now but will catch up later. Take care xx

BertieBotts · 29/04/2012 15:50

Oh, if the passports are out of date then leave them. As they're children if they need to apply for a new one later you will need to get them countersigned anyway as the pictures will have changed so much.

You will have to report them as officially lost, I think, but that can wait until everything has settled down if he doesn't return them by then.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 16:43

Right so paperwork wise I'm done.

I have just had to sneak outside to get his van reg! Am about to ring 101 and ask them if they can keep an eye out, do I tell them the whole story, or just that I'm leaving and he might get nasty? Am I allowed to say I am taking the kids without his knowledge? And if I do have to tell them what he did to me, will they only take that any further if I asked them to?

OP posts:
StickorFold · 29/04/2012 16:45

Oh, and, does it work from mobiles? Blush I have no idea how the world works! Don't even really know what 101 is!! Blush

OP posts:
MrsMcEnroe · 29/04/2012 16:51

101 is the non-emergency number for the police.

Yes it works from mobiles.

I'm not sure it's appropriate in your case though. If you are genuinely afraid, you need to ring 999.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 16:55

Not afraid right now, there is no emergency.

I am ringing to ask if there is anyway they could ask police in the areas to look for his van if it comes anywhere near my mum's. And also to sort of cover my back, if he reports the car as having been stolen, or the kids as kidnapped etc. and just to get something on file so whether it be tomorrow or next week, if he does turn nasty, there is something there. Certainly isn't a 999 thing yet I don't think.

OP posts:
Vinomum · 29/04/2012 17:48

SoF, I read this thread last night before I went to bed and it was the first thing I thought of this morning. I've got everything crossed for you tomorrow. I am truly inspired by your bravery, your boys are luckier than they'll ever know to have a mummy like you. xx

scarletforya · 29/04/2012 18:06

Same as Vinomum, have read this thread between last night and today. My heart is in my mouth reading it! SoF, you are so doing the right thing. Keep a cool head, the documents/passports/car tax etc are not show stoppers, don't worry to much about those, and you can apply for a replacement Birth Certificate.

The main thing is to get you and those boys safely to your Mothers. Best of luck SoF. We are all rooting for you so much you brave woman! When the dust settles you won't believe how sweet freedom will be! Smile

sugarice · 29/04/2012 18:18

Can't stop checking to make sure that you're still okay. Smile

NormaStanleyFletcher · 29/04/2012 18:26

Have read the whole of this thread today. Good luck SoF. You sound amazing. I wil be cheering you on from work tomorrow.

StickorFold · 29/04/2012 21:22

Thank you everyone Smile

Spoke to mum again, feel a bit better now. One more night and it's over.

Just watched him putting them all to bed, wanted to tell them to give him an extra big hug (for their sake's), but obviously couldn't. Don't know how I kept it so normal, my heart was in my mouth for them.

One more night of having him touching me and cuddling me and then he will never ever touch me again. Smile

Can't wait till we are driving out of the village tomorrow. I feel like if we have made it to that point then that really is it, it's over. Then I can start really worrying about The Bastarding Roundabout! Wink Have decided I am just going to follow the sign posts, new road, they must have put new signage up, and once we're away from the big junction, I know the way anyway.

This time tomorrow, I might not have a bloody headache anymore! Smile

I don't know if I'll get back on tonight, so just in case, I just wanted to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart, I honestly don't think I'd have got through this last week without you all. I will try and post tomorrow morning, will depend on time etc. but will deffo post from the other side ASAP. Seriously, I can't say it enough, thank you everyone x

See you when we're home and dry! Grin xxx

OP posts:
FashionEaster · 29/04/2012 21:30

Wishing you the very best tomorrow.

Am loving the description of the bastard roundabout too!

crikeybill · 29/04/2012 21:50

Good luck my lovely. If only you knew how much of an inspiration you are ! X

Dee03 · 29/04/2012 21:59

Good luck!
See you on the other side Grin
Xxx