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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

Preparing to leave, one part of me feels empty one part of me feels free.

94 replies

KJPxx · 18/07/2017 21:48

Well I am putting together my plan of action to leave my abusive partner. I can't walk out immediately this has to be a careful and clear process for the protection of myself, my daughter and my step son.
So, I'm only 26, I met my partner at 17 and he was them 24, needless to say I fell head-over-heels in love very quickly not only with him but his amazing little boy, just gone 3 at the time.
The first few WEEKS were a typical whirlwind romance, he had a good job, a place of his own and offered me excitement and security in one package. I lapped it up and things moved pretty quickly. Then, after 7/8 weeks came the first slap. So hard I was thrust across a room. The slap came after o
I walked out and stayed away for all of 2 hours. I came back after he begged for forgiveness and sobbed to a point it made me think surely he is sorry and it won't happen again, and just like that he had total control of me, and just like that - he proved he was a liar!!
I can't exactly give exact times and dates to every physical attack or every time he has emotionally ruined me, but let's say in 9 years there has been more bad days than good. Many many more.
So I fell pregnant, stupidly, less than 6 months into the relationship, however things had improved slightly, or so I thought, however failed to see that I was being so deeply controlled that I had lost friends, my family said I'd changed. But again, naive, surely it's just because he loves me?!
During my pregnancy, I was subjected to many emotionally abusive days and the odd physical thing too.
Again, he'd cry and he'd kiss my belly and suck me back in. And again. I'd think, he loves me, he loves his unborn baby and he didn't mean to, but again I was proven wrong.
So time and time again he would attack me. Physically. He would hit me, punch or slap, strangle me, bite me, rag my hair, spit on me. Emotionally he would call me names that hurt more than the punches. Throw bins around a room, and demand I clean them up, scrub my face with a urine filled towel because I used an old towel to clean up after the dog after I'd ran out of kitchen towel, and then after he scrubbed it in my face he locked in a cupboard. And yep. I stayed. I stayed because I felt now, at such a low eb, who else would want such a worthless idiot. And every time he did these awful things, I apologised and tried to get him to forgive me for being so stupid and hideous. I was completely under his control.
He has blacked my eyes, choked me to the point of becoming nearly totally unconscious, split my eye open.
Abroad on holiday in 2015, he beat me so badly my head was swollen about an inch across my forehead and so badly bruised the nurses were worried I may not be able to fly, luckily I was and I turfed him out - he returned.
Then a year later almost to the day he punched my head in the car with the kids in the back. He was arrested we had assessments carried out by social services and I still took him back. I fall hook line and sinker every time he begs me and promises me it won't happen again.
But something happened the past few weeks, I have another holiday coming up and I woke up in the middle of the night in a major panic and I now know I can't be with him any more. The sheer idea of a holiday has brought me into such a state of panic, and I've eventually realised I deserve a damn site better. More than that my children do because I have failed them for too long and only hope now I can hopefully redeem myself and give the children the life they deserve.
Sorry about how long it is. Just feels quite refreshing getting it all out. Makes me see clearer when I see just how much sh*t he's put us through for his own insecurities!!!
I'm nearly free!!!

OP posts:
KJPxx · 20/07/2017 19:35

Been speaking with counsellor today. Can be in new home with full security set up, cameras, security locks and panic button in all rooms with a £500 white goods grant to pay back at £25 a month, can have the keys as soon as August 31st as it's a safe house, temporary 6 month til they find a more permanent home nearer to my mam. I am excited but a little nervous!!

OP posts:
HattiesBackpack · 20/07/2017 19:57

That's brilliant news KJP!

Having the date you can pick the keys up is something which you can focus on and help get you through any wobbly days.

Keep in touch with your support workers/counsellors and post here if you need too get you through to August.

You have done so well to get this far xx

YouCantArgueWithStupid · 20/07/2017 20:02

I've RTFT and you're bloody amazing! X

gamerchick · 20/07/2017 20:04

So glad to hear you're leaving OP, god speed Flowers

KJPxx · 20/07/2017 20:11

I'm meeting with them again this Tuesday to sign agreements and they'll hand the keys to my mam as we won't be here. I am taking the children on holiday and staying in a separate part of the hotel from my very soon to be ex partner!!! I have discussed it with him and explained my fears after the last holiday and told him either separate rooms or I don't go at all, he has agreed. To be fair the love loss is mutual and that hurts a little but he never really did love me or our family, I was just trained to be his puppet but he isn't holding the strings anymore and he has lost control not love.
I don't feel very amazing or anything atm. I feel a little out of my depth but I think it's just because I have so much to plan but know how vital it is to keep it under wraps.
I have been thinking about what the kids and I will be doing this time next year all day. Was on nightshift last night planning day trips and holidays in my head. Eventually I can actually envision a happy future and it's making me smile from ear to ear!! Thank you for all of your advice, constructive criticism and help MN you are all amazing xx

OP posts:
Cary2012 · 20/07/2017 20:33

I admire your strength OP, and wish you a safe and very happy future.

cafenoirbiscuit · 20/07/2017 20:35

Are you able to get the police to you quickly in your current house? I'd hate him to get wind of your plans, and kick off.

KJPxx · 20/07/2017 20:54

Yeah I have got an emergency response number stored and when it is connected the police are alerted.
Took them 4 minutes to attend the last time when I was stupidly talked into taking him back. But I'm not that stupid any more

OP posts:
KJPxx · 28/07/2017 16:52

I feel on top of the world today.
I know I have to tolerate him for another 6 weeks but I was given my keys today after signing my tenancy on Tuesday.
The house is given to me rent free for 6 weeks while the council carry out works and the security system is set up. However it means I can decorate and gives me time to get things I need, and when we are away my mother is going to come and remove the last of my belongings so when we land after our holiday, I'll be walking away.
I keep playing the day over in my head - it will either be a really good or really bad day.
But I can see light at the end of a long dark tunnel x

OP posts:
Heartofglass12345 · 02/08/2017 22:57

Good luck xx

KJPxx · 04/08/2017 07:56

Things have been oddly peaceful this past few days. I came home and the dishes had been done and the floor hoovered - something he only ever done after I'd had a hiding in the past so I was a bit taken aback.. My first thought was - has he found out my plan for leaving and he's trying to stop me - but I haven't kept anything regarding the situation in this house it's all elsewhere.
No no it turns out he just wants his wicked way.. So after being rejected by me - he reminded me exactly why I am leaving, arse hole!
I must be getting it elsewhere. Fat slag. Stupid little cunt. Fuck off blah blah blah, every name under the sun all I want to scream at him is I AM GOING TO FUCK OFF AND BE HAPPIER WITH OUT YOU but I can't lose my cool now I've learned over 9 year how to hold my tongue and this is one of the times I definitely need to put it to practice.. Oh how he makes my decision so much easier.

OP posts:
jeaux90 · 04/08/2017 08:03

KJ you are being so strong. Well done for leaving. When you open the door of the new place without him take a moment to appreciate what it means.

That moment is something I still remember 7 years later.

KJPxx · 04/08/2017 19:45

jeaux90 I plan on it, I never want to get over that feeling.
Thank you xx

OP posts:
FlipflopsOrWellieboots · 10/08/2017 09:25

How many more days to go? I hope things have been peaceful....

KJPxx · 10/08/2017 09:46

30 days and counting. Thought of writing it on the calender in the kitchen with a great big smilie face on the 9th of September. But best not rock the boat. Things have been calm. Possibly as we have been like passing ships - not complaining. Been working a lot more to build my savings a bit, and investing a lot of time in enjoying my children. Feels so good that it's getting nearer and nearer!!

OP posts:
FlipflopsOrWellieboots · 10/08/2017 09:50

Flowers 30 days, less than a month. KOKO....

KJPxx · 10/08/2017 10:34

I know flip-flops I've done it for 9 years with no end in sight, I can manage 30 days xx

I've actually told my MIL about things (she begged me to leave him 6 years ago) as she is going to be the mediator for contact with the children.
I feel it best to go no contact, even for a while until we both adjust and until we can be amicable for the children. Hopefully he can be the parent he was when I first met him and he had his son, he was fun, happy but balanced structure and routine well, in fact he was a brilliant dad.. So I hope he can get some of himself back to be good for his children because I intend on enjoying every minute of being myself and a mam. Just with no one to answer too!!

OP posts:
pasterfield9 · 10/08/2017 18:32

OP I remember your thread a few weeks back. You were saying how worried you were about going on holiday with him. It's such a relief to hear you're leaving him. So often on here, people ask for advice then just ignore it. This is a decision you will never, ever regret. Whatever waits for you on the other side, it will be better than this relationship. Best of luck xx

KJPxx · 10/08/2017 21:20

pasterfield9 yep. When I was trying to convince myself he was a good man and kidding myself. It hit me like a brick but to be fair, and honest I've known all along I was only trying to convince myself.
I have had to look at it from a mother's perspective, hearing my mother tell me she worries one day police will knock to say I'm dead and I then thought - what if that was my daughter?!
I didn't like what Mumsnetters were saying because truth hurts. I felt ashamed and know now I didn't have to.
It's going to be so unbearable keeping up a pretense for the next month but I know the life on the other side will be great. I have so many plans already with my children and a level of support I often worried I wouldn't have. I am so happy, worried of course but mainly excited, and will definitely update to let people know how it goes when I'M FREE!!! Thank you very much to all of you on here for the advice and support, the tough love and hand holds over the years xx

OP posts:
spudlike1 · 10/08/2017 22:00

Sending powerful thoughts to you ....thankyou for sharing .....let us know how you are , as you go

spudlike1 · 10/08/2017 22:01

Sending powerful thoughts to you ....thankyou for sharing .....let us know how you are , as you go

Ratbagcatbag · 10/08/2017 22:10

You are doing amazingly well. Flowers you've got this and you'll soon be planning your own life free of any abuse.

KJPxx · 10/08/2017 22:31

It's an overwhelming feeling when people you've never met can offer you such vital support and encouragement that you've struggled to find for so long.
I can't thank people enough for the help I've received and the ability to find the strength I needed to see I could do it.
It's so close and I will make sure it is the best thing I ever do for my family! X

OP posts:
pasterfield9 · 10/08/2017 22:46

It's a weird feeling isn't it? I remember when I started piecing together that my relationship had been abusive. I was like a detective who'd suddenly cracked the case of her own life open. That day, everything started falling into place. I felt elated for a few weeks (a bit like the 'pink cloud' recovering alcoholics talk about). Then I felt so angry. Now, I've kind of come to terms with it, but it takes a while.

You're being so brave. I think it's lovely you're taking your DSS too; you clearly love him like your own. Read Why Does He Do That, by Lundy Bancroft (if you haven't already). Do the Freedom Programme, if you can. And keep posting on here. Everyone is behind you

KJPxx · 10/08/2017 23:34

I know, I've had that sense of elation when I finally realised. I probably will be angry but more than anything, which I've found so important is that I don't wish him any bad in his life. I hope he can move past things and be happy and try and salvage something of his life, build good relationships with the kids etc. I will still have days where I could bury him under the patio but I feel at the minute slightly peaceful. I do know however this maybe the calm before the storm. I am ready in more ways than I thought for the day the shit storm comes. And I think throughout the next few months. Possibly years. Mumsnet will be my place of reason and calm, the place I come when I need some tough love or just some reassurance.
Yes, my step son is more to me than that. He has been in my life for so long and we have overcame so many difficult things both due to his maternal side and ours. He has me for life and I'd never ever walk away from him.
And I think I'll give that a read definitely.

OP posts: