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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

Support for those in Emotionally abusive relationships number 10

999 replies

foolonthehill · 09/07/2012 20:53

Am I being abused?

Verbal Abuse A wonderfully non-hysterical summary. If you're unsure, read the whole page and see if you're on it.
Emotional abuse from the same site as above
Emotional abuse a more heartfelt description
Signs of Abuse & Control Useful check list
why financial abuse is domestic violenceAre you a free ride for a cocklodger, or supposed to act grateful for every penny you get for running the home?
Women's Aid: "What is Domestic Violence?" This is also, broadly, the Police definition.
20 signs you're with a controlling and/or abusive partner Exactly what it says on the tin

Books :

"Why Does He Do That?" by Lundy Bancroft - The eye-opener. Read this if you read nothing else.
"The Verbally Abusive Relationship" by Patricia Evans ? He wants power OVER you and gets angry when you prove not to be the dream woman who lives only in his head.
"The Verbally Abusive Man, Can He Change?" by Patricia Evans - Answer: Perhaps - ONLY IF he recognises HIS issues, and if you can be arsed to work through it. She gives explicit guidelines.
"Men who hate women and the women who love them" by Susan Forward. The author is a psychotherapist who realised her own marriage was abusive, so she's invested in helping you understand yourself just as much as helping you understand your abusive partner.
"The Emotionally Abusive Relationship: How to Stop Being Abused and How to Stop Abusing" by Beverley Engels - The principle is sound, if your partner isn't basically an arse, or disordered.
"Codependent No More : How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself" by Melody Beattie - If you a rescuer, you're a co-dependent. It's a form of addiction! This book will help you.
But whatever you do, don't blame yourself for being Co-dependent!

Websites :

So, you're in love with a narcissist - Snarky, witty, angry, but also highly intelligent: very good for catharsis
Dr Irene's verbal abuse site - motherly advice to readers' write-ins from a caring psychotherapist; can be a pain to navigate but very validating stuff
Out of the fog - and now for the science bit! Clinical, dispassionate, and very informative website on the various forms of personality disorders and how they impact on family and intimate relationships.
Get your angries out ? You may not realise it yet, but you ARE angry. Find out in what unhealthy ways your anger is expressing itself. It has probably led you to staying in an unhealthy relationship.
Melanie Tonia Evans is a woman who turned her recovery from abuse into a business. A little bit "woo" and product placement-tastic, but does contain a lot of useful articles.
Love fraud - another site by one woman burned by an abusive marriage
You are not crazy - one woman's experience. She actually has recordings of her and her abusive partner having an argument, so you can hear what verbal abuse sounds like. A pain to navigate, but well worth it.
Baggage reclaim - Part advice column, part blog on the many forms of shitty relationships.
heart to heart a wealth of information and personal experiences drawn together in one place

If you find that he really wants to change
should I stay or should I go bonus materials this is a site containing the material for men who want to change?please don?t give him the link?print out the content for him to work through.

The Bill of Rights
bill of rights here is what you should expect as a starting point for your treatment in a relationship, as you will of course be treating others!!

OP posts:
unhappyhildebrand · 17/08/2012 07:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

veeeee · 17/08/2012 08:40

I need some support.

Sunday evening he found out my plans to leave through snooping on my phone. Instead of his "leave then" response that I was expecting he broke down and he actually listened. We spent 4 days talking and crying. He says he feels like he hasn't really been here the past few years, that he never realised he was doing all of these things. I started off by telling him little things, like how the name calling makes me feel, then the constant criticism, giving him specific examples.

The next day we talked more, adding in the sexual abuse too. He was also pushing me to know who I had been talking to and so I told him I had seen a counsellor. He said he was shocked that I had had to go through all of this on my own, that I'm so brave, that he admires me for doing that and that he thought the previous day's discussions had been bad enough but this took it to another level. I told him about how we never plan anything together because he needs everything to be an efficient operation. He said he never realised that half the fun of things was doing it together. We went through our photos and picked some of dd to go in a frame, whereas last week he said e would sort it out himself.

We skirted around the sexual abuse because I didnt feel like talking to him about it right away but we talked about it yesterday and he admits it is terrible behaviour.

He said he is sorry for abusing me all this time. At that point I showed him one of the EA sites. He just sat there shaking his head as he read it, saying "I do that, I do that".

He moved into the spare room on Monday, we set up a rota for cleaning and for bathing dd etc. He bathed her for the first time in 10months of tuesday. He said he really enjoyed it an doesnt know why he has never done it before.

His plan was that we live as housemates for a bit, become friends again then he makes me fall in love with him again. I said I didn't know if that was possible. He started doing things that, by his own admission, he should have been doing. For example, dd was very sick on the sofa and the cover needed washing. He said that he felt himself thinking "when is he going to sort that out" and that before, he would've gotten more and more angry with me for not doing it. But he realised " why don't I just do it" so he did. There was washing in he machine, he hung it out. A crisp packet on the floor, he picked it up and put t in the bin.

After four days of crying an talking and no sleeping, I finally had a breakdown yesterday morning. I told him that I felt that I was close to snapping, that I feel broken, that him being in the house was making it worse, him bombarding me with solutions like we can move if you want (I said I have grown to hate this house), we can do this and that, he's been cooking dinner, loading the dishwasher, asking me what I would like to do, what hobby I would like to take up (he has always taken the piss out of me in this areas) etc etc

He said, from reading the EA stuff he knows that this is an expected response, that he knows I cant believe he has changed but he wants me to let him prove it. He said he really does feel like he has been a terrible husband, he is desperately sorry etc etc.

He moved out yesterday after my mental episode.

The problem is, I'm just so worried about him because he is hurting because of me, that I can't concentrate on myself. I keep texting him to make sure he's ok. I keep thinking "just let him come home and try" but then I fell like I need time away from him to put myself back together.

I am noticing though some subtle manipulations that he doesn't even realise he is doing. He keeps posting sad Facebook statuses like "I feel sick to the stomach" which then cause me to phone or message him to make sure he's ok. When he left yesterday he text to say he was at his mums ( which I asked him to do) but that he nearly crashed the car on the way there. He said he feels as though mumsnet is partly to blame for me wanting to leave him because you've all talked me into it, the same goes for my counsellor. He asked why I had never considered that he might have issues or might me depressed and if we had sorted that out sooner then this wouldn't have gotten to this point. But he's not blaming me. He said with the sexual abuse, he knew it was wrong and there is no excuse, but perhaps if I'd been more willing to give him a hand or blow job after dd was born he wouldn't have forced my to be having sex 6 weeks after birth when he knew it was all still very sore and swollen from all the stitches I had.

I just don't know what to do next. The sad thing is my sister is going through EA with her husband too.

veeeee · 17/08/2012 08:40

Sorry for such a mammoth post by the way!

TheSilverPussycat · 17/08/2012 09:12

Phew! Well there could be hope, veeee - but I am the eternal optimist and also frankly not quite 'here' atm as Ex just gone and I am on pills to help sleep which is making brain run slow. So just posting to give generalised support iyswim. Perhaps don't text him, and kind of tread water?

paranoidandroidwreckmyownlife · 17/08/2012 09:14

Ask him if he is willing to go on a course to help abusers improve themselves? The freedom program have contacts to such things. Even if its not enough to save your relationship, if you've lost all love and respect for him. It might prevent him putting anyone else through all this in the future.
If he agrees to and goes on course there is a chance he may be helped.
I can see why you can't accept it all right now, him leaving and giving you space is the right thing to do.

NoMoreNotNever · 17/08/2012 10:13

Sorry, I also have to post and run, Veee, but what you're experiencing sounds normal. You have a huge amount to try and process in your head, and suddenly having a full-on 'normal' partner telling you what's he's done, what he's doing, what he's going to do, is hugely overwhelming. Because in your head you're still distressed and devastated, and so it doesn't feel genuine, or 'right' for it suddenly to be ok, and for you to slip straight into happy-families-isn't-this-wonderful mood. It's just as disturbing as the bad behaviour because it bears no relation to how you FEEL at the minute. Some space is definitely good.

Some of the things he says (the forced sex excuses) are still definitely, horribly, wrong. So don't force yourself to make a decision, don't engage in 'feelings' talk too much, but give yourself some mental space to recalibrate and let him know that after a break you will be much more able to discuss the future with him but for now, he needs to leave you and your emotions in peace for a set time.

x

NiniLegsInTheAir · 17/08/2012 11:12

Meant to post earlier but had a bit of a panic attack this morning - thinking about the potential damage to DD if we do split. Luckily was in the office on my own this morning so just laid on the floor until it passed. I've not experienced something like that for years.

Agree with what the others say about your NSDH veee - but the excuses for forced sex sound terribly wrong to me. Also think you need some mental space from him to concentrate on your own emotions.

Hope the holiday is ok hilde, will post you the new thread if needed.

NoMoreNotNever · 17/08/2012 12:05

Sorry to hear that, Nini - I for one will never use the phrase 'panic attack' lightly again. Not being able to draw breath in is terrifying. Really hope you feel a bit better now.

NiniLegsInTheAir · 17/08/2012 15:44

I'm ok thanks Nomore, used to get them sometimes as a teen so I know what to do. Been a long time though. I was reading Lundy at the time - yes not working I know, bad me.

NSDH is definitely slipping. This morning he told me the numbers of A-level students that achieved the highest marks has gone down this year and how good that was as exams were far too easy. I said I didn't think it was necessarily a good thing at all, pointed out that neither of us have taken A-levels for years (10 years for me, longer for him) so we're not in a position to judge how difficult the exams are and what an appalling thing that was to say about a young person's future - how would he like it if someone said that about our DD? He gave me a very strange look, told me I did agree with him really and told me I was calling him names.

But now I have 2 nights without him and good friends to visit, wahoo! Smile

tryingtoescape · 17/08/2012 17:19

vee that sounds so difficult but you have been very true to yourself and I really agree by bucketload with what nomore said and also nini re sexual abuse. Can you disable your fb for a while? I did this and it was like a weight lifted from my shoulders- I simply didn't have the care what people were saying anymore. The messaging and fb-ing you describe him as doing are manipulative.

Nini big sympathy re panic attacks, I have had them at periods most my life and they require such courage and strength to live with sometimes. No coincidence you were reading Lundy. I read this poem once which basically externalised the panic attack - (sorry if it sounds nuts!) - I found repeating it to myself very helpful - it was basically thanking my panic instinct for trying to keep me safe. When I look back to my panic periods, they have all been around times when in retrospect they were giving me very strong pointers - at times when I should have been better cared for/ removed myself from situation / not got married / not got back with FW after break etc etc. Hugs (also bless you, lying on the floor all by yourself! Hope you're a bit better now!xx) Woohoo re NSDH being away and lovely friends coming Smile yay!

Orkward · 17/08/2012 18:26

Hello, would it be ok to join this thread? I've read a bit over the last few months and gradually lots of things have been falling into place.

I posted a thread months ago about my partner forcing me to have sex with him - at that point i was so confused about it all - I've gradually faced up to more and more stuff and started to realise how much is wrong.

I've had this week on my own and read the Lundy Bancroft book which has given me a bit more confidence in the way I'm feeling and in knowing that it's not all me or my fault.

But he's back in about an hour and we're still living together - although I've asked him to move out and hopefully he will in a couple of months. This time being together adn pretending to be normal but nothing being normal is really hard and I feel so upset and worried about him coming back. The children don't know what's happening and that he's going to be moving out so i feel very worried about that too.

crackcrackcrak · 17/08/2012 22:04

exh is pushing me over the edge. started a thread in otbt

i need help. very EA relationship of which the EA part he is trying to continue through legal restraint. feeling like it will never stop.

TheSilverPussycat · 17/08/2012 22:47

Hello new people. Still in post-ex-exit fug, however can offer welcome and hugs. Will seek out your thread crack

tryingtoescape · 17/08/2012 23:14

Hi folks, Ork and crackcrack hope you're ok. I am going to bed because getting up early for travel but hope to be in touch while away, I need this thread so badly. xx

paranoidandroidwreckmyownlife · 17/08/2012 23:24

Argh, why do they step it up a notch every time you make a break or show them up/ prove them wrong. Will I ever get away from his hassle. Even via email he makes my blood boil. Just trying to ignore him tonight and his attempts to maintain control of the situation. Will see my dad tomorrow for financial advice, in the meantime, thank God for sleeping pills to get me through the night.

paranoidandroidwreckmyownlife · 17/08/2012 23:27

How can someone who's treated you so appalingly still hurt you and cause pain and panic and distress so much. Detach, detach detach!

crackcrackcrak · 17/08/2012 23:34

Because you can never get away if you have dc! I went back after the first split because he was so out of control without me I was scared for dc. Obviously I knew this was unsustainable but we had a few weeks of family time before he lost the plot again Sad poor dc they must have been so happy - I know they were.

paranoidandroidwreckmyownlife · 17/08/2012 23:53

Hi again crack. Smile
Do you get the kids playing up after dad time. DS comes back with a terrible attitude, and the little DD's just come back completely wound up and clingy/crying. they love their dad but the situation is awful for all of us i think.

crackcrackcrak · 17/08/2012 23:59

Emotionally unsettled the next day is how I'd describe it but it's a new routine (I had to fight for a routine at all) and I think it's helping. Dc are noticeably confused though but it will take time.
This is why I'm getting so wound up - I want to beat him around the head and scream - the bloody contact is fine now leave me the fuck alone!

newbeteacher · 18/08/2012 09:47

Hello to new people sorry you have to be here but I have to say it is a tremendous support to have all you ladies here.

paranoid stepping it up a notch is what FWH/P are good at. My STBNSDXH left about 6 weeks ago and I am fortunate enough to have a very supportive family. My wonderful mum acts as a mediator and the DC's are collected and dropped her from/to my mum so I do not have to have contact with him. If I did it would finish me off completely he just gets inside my head and plays his manipulative games with me that he does so well.

Nini how old is DD. My 2 DCs are 100 times better without FW here. And now that he has stopped sulking he finally saw them this week (only 6 weeks late!!).

Veeee you post rings alarm bells with me and all the things that are happening to you happened to me. FW said he realised and took responsibility and came up with a long list of what we could do to make things better. CONTROL AND MANIPULATION. Please be careful the whole sex thing is out of order very very selfish of him to behave like that you had a small baby. Head space is good because it helps make things seem a little clearer. Easy for me to see as FW long gone but please I beg you to look after yourself stop worrying about how much he is hurting because of you. It is because of HIM that you are in this situation. He is a grown man. Big big hugs xxxxxxx

crackcrackcrak · 18/08/2012 10:44

I need to read all the threads.....
But talk to me about EA men trying to break down support networks....I need to k invite not my imagination and that they do this in purpose Sad

paranoidandroidwreckmyownlife · 18/08/2012 11:12

crack, where abouts are you based? You can PM if you like with region. My personal therapist is an expert on EA men, she was married to one years ago. She has prempted almost every move my exH has made, helped me prepare for it. You need to find someone like her, she can help you understand and prepare.
I have the best friends in the world who couldn't take seeing me go through hell with him any longer and bought me my first few sessions with her. I couldn't manage without her now.
newbe, we're we married to the same man? Hmm I've called him on not wanting the DC's tonight (as he wants to go stay with his little tart before he takes kids on holiday.) Told him as long as I have them Sunday and sunday night before they go for 4 nights I'm happy with regular arrangements and he shouldn't be dropping his regular contact nights that he fought for. He obviously can't go mental about this as would have to admit he'd sleeping at her house on a regular basis. So he sends a twatty email about our house only being worth x amount for a quick sale, and why can't he buy me out at that reduced rate. Over my dead body will he be setting up home with her in the house our children were concieved in! She lives an hour away, he can bugger off over there and not bring this whole sordid mess back to our village and our peaceful lives again.

veeeee · 18/08/2012 13:47

newbie thankyou so much. He called me at 4 am in a state, said he'd been thinking of all the horrible things he's done to me. I let him come over, we talked more and cried lots, he realises it's all his fault, he's done horrible things, he knows I might never be able to forgive him etc etc. I'm finding that I'm looking for excuses for him; if I hadn't reacted so sensitively to his comments, if I'd tried harder to tell him how I felt, he's not a horrible person he's just got issues, if I had tried harder to do things as a couple, if I had had counselling after my miscarriage. I'm cuddling him to make him feel better!!

He was here for 6 hours, I've been having a panic attack since he left, my heart won't stop pounding and I'm so scared I'm going to flip out again like I did the other morning.

I just don't know what to do.

newbeteacher · 18/08/2012 15:57

Veeeee why are you finding excuses. It is eating right into his hands and before you know he won't be taking responsibility for his actions but blaming you all over again. Please take care hugs xxxx

newbeteacher · 18/08/2012 16:00

Veeeee why are you finding excuses. It is eating right into his hands and before you know he won't be taking responsibility for his actions but blaming you all over again. Please take care hugs xxxx