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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

Today I face my abuser in court.

83 replies

deadrat · 18/11/2015 05:28

Today I go to court for the 2nd divorce hearing to face my severely abusive, manipulative, coercive, controlling stbxh. I feel quite sick. His behaviour has been appalling. This is the man to whom I lost my entire personality for over 20yrs, who told me what clothes to wear, who stopped me working, who never went out with me, who told me what roads to drive down, who wouldn't even let me do the food shop, who was so severely controlling one of our dcs had a catastrophic breakdown & ended up in hospital. Now I'm almost free but I'm in crisis at having to face him again. It took such an enormous amount of help for me to open my eyes & escape. I have fantasies of throwing myself off tall buildings rather than face any more, I can't cope. Learning to be myself again after all this time is a massive adjustment. I don't know whether to go into court as a lioness or a mouse. I have nothing in the world, no family bar my own dc's, everything we owned is in his sole name, the settlement will have to be prized from his death-grip. The whole thing makes me feel sick.

OP posts:
Keeptrudging · 18/11/2015 09:08

Thinking of you today. You are nearly there, and you will get through this and be able to move on in your life.

When I had to go to court, I echo the PP that the person I was so scared of looked much less powerful sitting in the dock. I found the court officials to be very kind/sympathetic. Sadly, they've seen this kind of 'man' all too often.

Wishing you strength for today, and a positive outcome Flowers.

bibliomania · 18/11/2015 09:23

I have some very happy memories of being in court with my horrible ex. Watching him spout some of his more ludicrously entitled attitudes in front of judge/lawyers/social workers and seeing him slapped down was actually a positive experience.

Remember, you want him to be at his worst in front of everyone there - it will help them get the measure of him that much quicker.

Homely1 · 18/11/2015 11:54

Part of your mumsnet army too.... So much respect for you
I'm in a similar situation... It's tough... People tell me that you will come out and it will be ok!

xxx

fusspot66 · 18/11/2015 11:58

They will see through him and we are all behind you.

hellsbellsmelons · 18/11/2015 12:22

Wow - you have done so well and come so far.
Just here to say well done and keep going.
You WILL get there.
Some great advice and support and I hope it helps pull you through.

DaggerEyes · 18/11/2015 12:31

You don't have to plan how to be, any prior planning on how to behave will cause you to falter and trip over planed words. All you have to do, is the next thing! That's what my dh told me when I couldn't face city driving from fear, all you ever need to think about is the next thing. Walk to the car, or court room. Open door. Locate seat. Sit. Breath. Breath. Answer question. Breath......

It worked for me.

deadrat · 18/11/2015 12:52

The king of arseholiance behaviour has had his arse kicked by the judge, but not enough for my liking. I'm in a pub reeling from the shock. Back in in 20mins. WineWineWine for me.

OP posts:
staffiegirl · 18/11/2015 13:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

hellsbellsmelons · 18/11/2015 13:04

Sounds promising OP.
Enjoy your drink, so deserved!

Sansoora · 18/11/2015 13:09

Well Done. A big huge well done to you!!!!

MiscellaneousAssortment · 18/11/2015 13:21

Oh that sounds good I hope? Enjoy a drink and let it sink in that you've faced him, and now it's over Flowers

LemonBreeland · 18/11/2015 13:25

Just come across this and was going to wish you luck, but well done!! and enjoy that Wine have some Chocolate too.

kittybiscuits · 18/11/2015 13:32

Wine good for you x

BringMeTea · 18/11/2015 14:07

Well done deadrat! You faced your fears. Enjoy your Wine.

MyFavouriteClintonisGeorge · 18/11/2015 14:10

Hurrah, go judge!

DreamingofSummer · 18/11/2015 14:14

Well done you! Stay strong and enjoy the moment.

JeffsanArsehole · 18/11/2015 14:19

Well done Wine

It may not seem like enough but I'm
Guessing that unless a series of radishes spiked with drawing pins were inserted anally it wouldn't feel enough Grin

Sighing · 18/11/2015 14:22

Brilliant Wine well done!

SoDiana · 18/11/2015 14:33

Bet you are glad that is over!

Cloppysow · 18/11/2015 15:18

The king of arseholiance. I like that.

MrsDeVere · 18/11/2015 15:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

PreemptiveSalvageEngineer · 18/11/2015 15:35

So pleased to hear! Wine and Gin all round!!!!

PreemptiveSalvageEngineer · 18/11/2015 15:38

Well, there should be a Gin icon! Grr. Xmas Angry Xmas Grin

deadrat · 18/11/2015 21:21

There is nothing to celebrate. I was annihilated.

OP posts:
SmillasSenseOfSnow · 18/11/2015 21:34

What happened, OP? Sad Brew

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