Is this abuse/what do I do?

[Mama8]

Please can I have some advice, I really don't know what to do or who to go to for help. I'm sorry if I don't explain it fully, I'm really upset and struggling to think. On two previous occasions when my eldest daughter (4.6) has been 'naughty' (eg encouraging her you get sister to be cheeky) my husband has really yelled at her and held her around the neck tight enough to leave marks. I told him to never do it again or I would leave, I told him that it is abuse and unacceptable. He just shrugs it off & tells me I'm overreacting. Tonight while I was putting the baby to bed I could he him shouting and smacking her repeatedly. I rushed down and he stormed off into the kitchen shouting that she had been telling her sister to be cheeky. She had red marks on her arm and neck. I'm now sitting with my two daughters trying to comfort them and get them to go to sleep.

Who do I turn to? We've moved away from my friends and family to be closer to husbands family. I don't really have any friends here. If I go to the doctors will they believe me and will they be able to help?

Sorry I forgot to say good luck and be strong xxxx

Well done Mama, you have done the right thing.

Your children cannot protect themselves at that age and they need someone who is going to put their safety first. Well done!

things have moved on since the first post mumtobenovember if you'd read the thread you would see that mama8 has contacted the police and dad is not allowed contact

Still thinking of you & the children mama8 ,
I hope things are a lot calmer now for you & you are coping ok ?
You've been so strong in seeking the the help you needed inspite of your parents initial views !
Have you heard from them & are they helping you ? X

How are you mama? Any word about how it went this morning?

Hope all is ok mama. How is your dd now?

Thinking of you mama, hope you and the kids are getting the support you need x

Just a quick update. Husband has been arrested and charged with assault, he has been bailed but is allowed no contact with us. It is a lot calmer without him here, I'd not realised how tense it could be when he was around. My eldest daughter keeps switching from being clingy and upset and glad that daddy isn't here to crying that she misses him. Such a mix of emotions for her. My you get daughter is a bit clingy but seems generally happier. I'm so glad that I got the police involved, it was definitely the right choice x

Well done mama

Your dd may miss him now but when she is older she will thank you

Mama I am in awe of you. I wish my mother had been strong enough to stand up for me against my father the way you've stood up for your daughter. She will never forget you doing this for her, believe me.

It will get easier for them. Glad things are calmer. Enjoy your newfound peace.

very pleased to hear it mama, all the best to you all three. as you say, definitely the right decision

You've been so brave and have done the right thing. You might have saved your DD's life with your actions.

It is a lot calmer without him here, I'd not realised how tense it could be when he was around.

this is the heart of it ... you are fantastic Mama8 ...

Glad to hear that there has been a positive outcome in this very distressing situation. Have social services/victim support said they will arrange some counselling for dd1/you as a family? It might help dd1 adjust.

Hope you and the children are doing well mama , I often wonder how you are all doing.
I hope things are going well for you x

Oh Lord, you've been so brave, well done for standing up for your girls.

Best of luck, and sending you all the strength in the world.