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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:
pasterfield9 · 10/08/2017 23:38

If you're short of money pm me, I have a copy of it on email i can send you. it's really essential reading for anyone who has been abused

KJPxx · 10/08/2017 23:39

I'll definitely have a read and I'll keep that in mind thank you again x

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 11/08/2017 00:01

Just another well-wisher KJP, you're being so brave and I can't wait to read your 'I'm free' post. Good luck and stay safe, you're nearly there Flowers

KJPxx · 11/08/2017 00:12

Thank you xx
This support is making it much more bearable x

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 11/08/2017 15:26

MN has its faults like everything else but it comes into its own on threads like yours KJP, lean on us, we won't let you fall Flowers

Sussex1983 · 11/08/2017 16:25

I've just read this & feel absolutely overwhelmed with what a strong & amazing mother & woman you are.
Please stay safe, positive and determined to ensure that your real life is only just beginning.
Every best wish & luck to you

Bluebrollie · 11/08/2017 17:06

Wow, this post drew me to tears a little bit, as well as shocked me to my core. You somehow don't want to believe there are people out there who can behave this way to another human being, but sadly, as you well know there are many of these vile creatures out there. I am overwhelmed by your outstanding strength, KJP.

Keep your mind clear and your determination alive, you've got this. Hopefully, with the help of RL support and MN, it will help you to come to terms with the overwhelming emotions you're probably feeling right now.

This may be an anonymous site but I am often amazed by the wonderful support offered here. Just know, we are all behind you.

Can't wait to see your post about breaking free from such a vile scumbag and finally making a wonderful life for you and your children. Take care and the best of luck OP x

FuckYouLinda · 11/08/2017 17:27

You are on the count down now. So so brave - Well done you.

ptumbi · 11/08/2017 17:42

Do be careful OP - it is this time of the relationship breakdown that is the most dangerous, when they sense that their control is slipping, they don't feel like the Big Man any more (because you are not giving them that power anymore). They are more likely to lash out, to cow you, to exert their power.

Good luck with everything - and especially with your kids, stepchild included.

I hope you stay safe, and stay away.

KJPxx · 11/08/2017 17:47

Thank you all for your kind words and support. It saddens me to think the man I chose to be with never offered me support the way people of Mumsnet have. However it makes my decision so much easier. I've never felt strong until now. I felt like a coward, failure, fool, until very recently when I thought it wasn't foolishness that made me stay it was fear. It brings a tear to my eye every time I read a response from people on here who offer encouragement and well wishes despite having gone through so much torment themselves. Thank you Mumsnet without words of wisdom and support here I probably wouldn't have been able to make the change xx

OP posts:
QuiteLikely5 · 11/08/2017 18:23

Op

Well done! Can I ask what was different this time? What changed for you? Was it something someone said? Or did you just realise things on your own?

Fwiw I don't think that he was a great person. I think when we start a new relationship men always seem great but then their mask slips.

Don't convince yourself that he is going to ever be great. He is dysfunctional and he has projected that onto you and those kids for years.

I suspect he has witnessed or been subject to Domestic Abuse himself which is why he is dysfunctional.

I genuinely hope that you explain to the children that what daddy did was very wrong and it's not how we treat others.

I hope you remain strong as once you leave no doubt he will harass you, beg and threaten you.

And definitely use MN as a crutch to get you through.

KJPxx · 11/08/2017 18:45

He had mammy issues because his walked out. Not an abusive relationship between his mam and dad, but not a great one. Then his ex was a serial cheat. He became possessive and eventually aggressive but of course he seems to have this aggression towards all women as though we have done him a disservice. I knew from early on I was just stupidly naive and didn't want to admit defeat.
Something my mam said to me about a month and a half ago when I had a really large bruise on my back, it was actually done by falling over the toolbox in garden and hitting my back off the wall, however she didn't believe it. She was convinced it was him and she broke into pieces and said she fears the knock off the police every time she sees one passing or every time the door knocks when she isn't expecting it. I found myself picturing my daughter in 20 years going through the same as what I have done and it shocked me to the core. I knew I needed to leave. I knew I needed to remove the worry that my whole family, and even some of his family feel.
More importantly I have to leave to set an example to my children and ensure they never ever live life the way we have for the last 9 year. I was a bubbly happy go lucky person, who avoided eye contact with strangers for fear of accusations. Didn't speak to or see any friends because he didn't approve. Never had a night out or met up with friends or colleagues and always shut my f*in mouth when I was told to. I started to think no, sod this I'm not a puppet or anything he'd like me to believe and started standing up for myself. I don't fear him as such anymore but I know I've got to be sensible and very careful with this process. I just can't believe in 29 days I'll be walking into my new front door, my family are decorating for me and I've been able to get little bits and pieces delivered both there and my parents house and we have done pretty well. My parents are moving the bedroom furniture from our daughters room as it's brand new and I've ordered my step son a new wardrobe with drawers on the bottom, as I hope to have him 50% of the week. I can't wait I need to try and keep my beaming smile under wraps or he will definitely know something is up!! X

OP posts:
BeachysFlipFlops · 17/08/2017 10:48

Another week done Grin

Hope all ok?

KJPxx · 17/08/2017 11:17

I know!! Getting closer!!!
Everything is good. I'm enjoying time with the kids and work and not really seeing him much.

OP posts:
BeachysFlipFlops · 26/08/2017 08:57

Is it less than a week to go? I hope all your plans are still moving forward. I'm excited for you and I hope your move goes quietly and peacefully....Flowers

percypig2017 · 26/08/2017 09:24

You can do this, I am too just coming out of a relationship with someone who is quite strong, but nothing on your level my lovely, you are doing so so well and sounds like you will be adored by friends, family and have many good people around you too, good for you!

please keep us updated.

You know it will be him who suffers more than you in the end and will hopefully one day realise his mistakes, but many men like this don't always realise their mistakes and end up getting worse, so you had a good escape. You have fun with your kids and your friends too and look after you...it will get better...xx

SandyY2K · 26/08/2017 10:55

Well done on realising and taking positive action to build a new life for you and the DC.

KJPxx · 26/08/2017 14:09

It's 2 weeks today, I have everything ready for our return from the holiday. Oddly enough I am relaxed and enjoying myself simply because I know it's put last as a family.
I am ready to face this world with my kids. And give us the life we deserve. I can't wait. 2 weeks and I'm free and I am strong enough now, that's made the difference
Thanks to mumsnet. Xx

OP posts:
Riverdale32 · 26/08/2017 19:59

Just read this thread KJP. Such an inspiration for other women in this same situation. Xx

MissCommunication · 26/08/2017 23:21

Wow. Just. Wow.

That you've been through so much. That you've got this strength now. That you're entering the next new and beautiful phrase of your life.

My situation is nothing like yours but I echo the sentiment about people you don't know supporting you and opening your eyes to reality and possibility.

Good luck xxx

Lilmisspink · 27/08/2017 00:16

Hi,
Firstly, I want to applaud your bravery and strength. It takes a lot of courage to leave an abusive relationship and this is the befinning of you taking back control of your life.
Abuse is never acceptable and as you said yourself you do deserve so much better.
I wish you all the best for the future. Sending hugs!!
Xx

Cambionome · 27/08/2017 09:30

Well done. You've brought a tear to my eye with this thread.
Keep going and stay strong you beauty - you are almost there! Flowers

BeachysFlipFlops · 07/09/2017 10:11

Hi KJP, only two more days to go. Sorry I've been nc'ing. I'm Beachy and Flipflops.

I hope your holiday was good, I know you were trying to go just with the children, did that work out ok?

Good luck for the next few days and Flowers for your new home.....

BeachysFlipFlops · 10/09/2017 17:51

@KJPxx I hope you are safe and well in your new home.

Neverknowing · 11/09/2017 19:18

I really hope you're okay op Flowers