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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:
foolonthehill · 29/05/2012 12:48

Grin indeed.

Onwards and upwards NJ.

scarletforya · 29/05/2012 12:50

I'm absolutely delighted for you NJ !

Enjoy the rest of your life! Grin

empirestateofmind · 29/05/2012 13:01

Great news NJ, you sound so together and happy. Well done!

sadwidow28 · 29/05/2012 14:19

I have cried so many times whilst reading this thread! I had baited breath on the day of the 'breakway' and sobbed when MOK posted to say that the family had swooped in to rescue NJ and the boys.

Well done NJ. I wish you all the very best for your future life.

Well done MOK, Mum and family. You are superstars of the highest order!

SESthebrave · 29/05/2012 14:28

Great to read your update NJ :)

You are amazing and I'm so pleased you've done so well for you and your boys.

Take care
Ses x

NatalieJane · 30/05/2012 09:48

:o Thank you again Blush

I am still a bit worried that I feel so good. When I read that first post it sends shivers down my spine, but it feels like I am reading about someone else, it doesn't seem like a month ago I was going through it. It is almost like I have completely blocked out everything bad, I don't know if that is good, bad, mad, normal?

I haven't cried, I don't feel like I hate him anymore, I don't feel anything at all towards him, should I not still be angry and all over the place?

I am not even missing the small things, just chilling in front of the telly, or seeing him with the boys, or the 'nice' cuddles etc. When he comes to get the boys, I look at him and all I think is why? Why would he do it to them? But it is such a fleeting thought, I don't feel angry or upset, not even on the kid's behalf.

I am laughing and joking around, singing (very badly!!) along to the radio, taking the kids to the parks and enjoying the sunny weather, I get in to bed and go straight to sleep. I honeslty feel like we're on holiday, with the weather being so good, and until Monday there was no school, no pressure, I feel really relaxed and chilled out.

It just seems like it's too good to be true, and I'm waiting for it all to come crashing down around me. It can't be normal to feel so good after what's happened, can it?

mistlethrush · 30/05/2012 09:51

NJ - you've been living under such a cloud for so long, you're now free of that. Don't worry about feeling good. Enjoy it, enjoy the children and show them how to love life.

NatalieJane · 30/05/2012 09:55

Oh we are, I'm not going to ruin it by worrying about not worrying! I just don't want to crash and burn, and not be ready for it. Is it going to happen? Does it have to happen?

mistlethrush · 30/05/2012 10:00

I can't help you with that one I'm afraid. I think that the most likely scenario is that H starts to make things more difficult for you at some stage - or even starts trying to get his toes in the door / feet under the table. So the best thing to do for that I would think is to work on your self-belief and confidence, become the person he didn't want and didn't let you become, the strong mother of your children. Carve a life for you and your children where he is not needed, even if he does come for access etc.

NatalieJane · 30/05/2012 10:15

Yes can see him trying to get back in. But there is not a prayer, my mum won't have him in the house (even if I wanted him in!) and when we do have our own house he will not step one foot in the front door. Ever.

I already don't need him, not once have I thought I could do with his help or whatever, my family have been amazing, they have supported without dictating, and haven't expected anything of me. My little younger sister made me talk about it all one day last week, and I found I could without crying or getting angry, which surprised me. She also went and bought me a load of makeup basics (had left mine at the house), I don't ususally wear any but have done since she bought it, sound's silly but it is giving me more confidence. Mum made me go to town the day before yesterday and buy myself some new clothes, so feeling pretty good about myself, well, at least better than I have done for a very long time. (Though am now properly broke till week after next, mum reckons it is worth it - we'll see!)

mistlethrush · 30/05/2012 10:20

You already sound like a completely different person ThanksGrin

NatalieJane · 30/05/2012 10:32

I think I am! I know longer question everything, sometimes feel a bit selfish, I am thinking/deciding on things and sticking to it, I'm not dithering over stupid decisions (like what to have for dinner - I couldn't ever win that one, if I chose, it'd be not what he wanted, if I asked him to choose he couldn't make his mind up!) have even just opened the fridge and had the first thing I looked at to avoid having to think about it!

Right, am off out to the garden, think this is supposed to be the last day of the sun, got to make of the most of it! :)

TheHappyHissy · 30/05/2012 10:32

NJ, it's amazing how quickly we realise just how awful things were for so long.

I applaud you for having the strength and conviction to stick with what you know you needed to do. You and your boys will only grow stronger from this.

While it is feeling so great, I want you to know that there will be wobbles along the way, where you WILL worry about what's next. After about 6m the adrenaline wears off, and you can be vulnerable to the Ex. Know this, accept this and plan for this. Ride it out, even if your heart is telling you all sorts of stuff, it WILL pass. Keep your eyes focussed on a free future, know that if you go back, you will go back to all that you described in your OP. And WORSE.

I have been away from my EA/DV ex for just over a year, yes I hit a wall about 6 in and felt just so desolate, so stupid and so low. I never once MISSED him though, I just mourned the loss of the proper relationship I should have had if I had not been chained up by him.

Get some therapy, you will need to talk this stuff through, look for local groups, contact WA or Refuge and see if there are any DV support services in your area, they are a life line. Also MN, MN is one of the most important sources of support for me, still. I am helped both by asking, and also by posting to help others.

NatalieJane · 30/05/2012 20:37

Wow, lovely day in the sun, with TeeBee and her gorgeous girls, my feet are burnt to a crispy crisp (- ouch), while everywhere else is fine Hmm.

I would feel daft going to seek therapy now, I feel almost europhic(!), I am absolutely shattered today, was up in the night with DS1 being sick, and then a day of lazing in the sun, I am so tired my eyes are hurting, but still have a fuzzy feeling of brilliant pleasentness (is that even a word?!). I am feeling content, I think that's the best way to describe it, like the first night after each of the kids were born, (everytime I had to stay in for at least one night) it was just me and them, all the hustle and bustle of the ward going on outside, but it was just me and them in the whole world for that one night, it is that feeling I am feeling.

I think I cocked up with DS1 earlier though :( I hadn't mentioned anything about the girls H is adding to his FB, I was waiting to see if he'd (DS1) want to talk about it with me, but we found ourselves alone this morning so I tentatively asked how he felt about it, and he didn't have a clue what I was on about, he hadn't noticed them. I tried to back pedal, but of course the next thing is he is on FB going in search for them. I managed to speak to him about it again this afternoon and he seemed OK, he said he doesn't like the idea of it, but I don't think he fully grasps what H is doing.

It is so hard, I thought he'd have deffo seen them and I didn't want him to be stewing on it, but all I did was open a can of worms in his head. I don't know how/what to say to H about it, do I say anything? I can't ask him not to add them to his FB a) because it's nothing to do with me, b) I don't want him to think it bother's me at all (because it really really doesn't) and c) he obviously knew DS1 would see them so he isn't bothered about that.

There is a big part of me that wishes we could just completely take him out of our lives. But then I feel badly for the boys because, to them, he is a good dad.

showtunesgirl · 12/06/2012 12:36

I just read through the whole thread and wondered how you're getting on now Natalie?

tryingtoescape · 13/06/2012 23:30

Hi NJ, been watching your thread and thinking of you. I hope you're ok? I think of your story for inspiration frequently.

NatalieJane · 18/06/2012 20:51

Sorry, not been on MN for a few days so hadn't seen the questions - thank you for checking up on us! :)

We are doing great :)

We've had a really tough couple of weeks, money has been, well, non-existant, but Tax Credits have finally started, we were living on £142 income support every fortnight, not much fun! H has only just today transfered £80 to my account, could have done with just a tenner of it last week!

Have had some major games from him, that ended in a massive row last Thursday where I finally got to tell him things I couldn't risk saying before for fear of tears, but figured I'd give it a go - managed it!

He is due to move to a town 30-40 mins away weekend after next so hoping things will become more settled re. access and money over the next month or so.

Still haven't shed a single tear, still waiting and watching for any signs of stress/depression/anything(!) but so far so good!

DS1 and 2 are both in school now, DS1 is loving it, I think as much to get back into a routine as anything else, and DS2 had a couple of weeks of crying his little heart out when I left him but he seems to be settling now, no tears since Tuesday last week. He was actually fine and happy once I'd left, he came out every day with a huge smile, just hated me leaving. He seems so much more normal the last few days, his behaviour went out of the window for a few weeks, but he is mostly back to the normal funny little thing he is :o Am expecting some more ups and down's but he at least seems to be getting there.

It is my birthday on Friday, mum has arranged for all of my sisters and their families to come for a ovened if it's raining/piss up-- BBQ on Saturday. Not quite sure how to handle it, half of it is exciting, seeing everyone etc. but the thought of standing in a room with everyone singing happy birthday to me Blush Blush huuuuuge Blush. My birthday has always just been, well a normal day, don't think I ever did anything 'special'. Part of me would really love to revel in it, the rest of me wants it to be Sunday already!

I am so pleased there of those of you reading this and getting something from it, so many people have given great advice, I'm glad it's not all just for my benefit! :o

foolonthehill · 18/06/2012 21:06

you did the pain and crying before...now it is time to relish the freedom and peace and calm. Well done you! And go on and enjoy your birthday....you know you deserve the biggest celebration ever!

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