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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

Abusive partner....please help

580 replies

linziluv123 · 14/01/2018 11:51

Hi, I really need some advice. My partner is abusing me and has done for 10 years. I’m finally at the point where I can’t go on anymore.
He’s simply horrible to me everyday, says unkind things to me in front of the kids all the time. He blames me for everything that goes wrong. A recent example is Friday, he wanted to put a bid on something on eBay, I asked him his maximum bid. I entered his maximum bid seconds before the end. He didn’t win it so went absolutely mental at me calling me all sorts of nasty things. Basically he didn’t understand how ebay works. Kept telling me the item was worth X amount. He told my 6 year old I’m a druggy too during his rant. (I smoke maybe half a spliff in the garden of an evening, don’t touch anything else, alcohol included. I have give up completely now though so he can’t use it against against me). He said he was leaving but never did. Just sat there with bags packed and coat on sniping at me all night.
I could give you examples of this of about 3-4 times a week from him.
He threatens to leave me and live with his mum, but says he’s taking my 6yo daughter, splitting her up from her 9yo autistic brother (both his children). He’s done it before so I know it’s not just talk.
I’ve had police and SS involvement over the years but it’s only ever me expected to jump through hoops, never him. He’s been allowed to act in this way all his life just cuz he’s bigger and louder than most people.
My mental health has been shocking for 10 years with multiple admissions and medication regimes. My dad hated him but sadly died in August. Around the time he died I just got shouted at and made to feel like shit then too. He even brings it up now saying my dad would be ashamed of me. It hurts so much.
I work full time, he hasn’t worked in 15 years. He’s “disabled” you see. When I finish work I literally have to do everything in the house. He sits at home either sleeping or gaming all day whilst I’m at work. At weekends he has to lie in until 11 and I have to constantly try and keep the kids quiet else he gets up shouting at us all.
I wanted to visit a friend who really needed me yesterday but he wouldn’t allow it. He went to his mates interest.
He’s been violent before but hasn’t been for a while. I admit that I did something bad last year, think financial infidelity. No excuses but my mental health was exceptionally poor and I made some shocking decisions. On the front of it he forgave me but realistically he absolutely loves having yet another stick to beat me with.
I make it easy for him to be awful to me really by doing stupid things but I honestly feel he sets me up for failure. I’m desperate to go to uni and complete my Nurse training but he won’t allow it as we would lose £5000 a year. I’ve suggested he got a job but he won’t.
People think he’s a great hands on Dad but they don’t hear the way he shouts at them. Tells them to shut up then shouts at them for repeating it! He makes it clear he prefers our daughter and I know this is because my son will only ever try and stick up for me. He blames me for my son being autistic, says it’s because of my mental health. I honestly don’t think I’d have mental health problems if it wasn’t for him!
He knows I’m terrible with the finances, yet won’t take over them, he’d rather let me fuck them up so he can shout at me more.
I dread finishing work everyday. I never know if he’s going to have a go at me. He demands to drive a fast boy racer type car despite having no job, but I’m responsible for paying for it, so it’s my fault when things start to go wrong with the car.
He threatens to tell his mum what I did last year and that keeps me “in check” I really would be mortified if she found out as I’m so ashamed. He doesn’t even show remorse or apologise anymore. There are literally no redeeming features anymore. It’s my fault by default every time.
So why don’t I leave? I’m terrified. He will try and ruin my life. The flat is in my name only so could kick him out but he will take everything his mum has bought, which is more or less everything. He’d leave me without a sofa or bed, even said he’d rip up the carpets. He’d make going to Work a nightmare. I rely on him to take the kids to school and pick them up. I had 6 months off sick last year so don’t want to take the piss at work.
I’m scared as I’ve no real evidence of the abuse. It’s all emotional although there will be past reports about it as SS banned him from seeing our children for 3 months back in 2012. He convinced me and SS that he’d changed, I really believed he had. I think I’m ashamed to ask for help this time as I chose to go back to him. I’m just so afraid of the alternative.
I’m sorry this is so long, I really could go on forever about how he treats me but you get the gist.
Please can anybody advise on what to do. I’m scared he will get full custody as he is technically their main carer as I work. I can’t have my children brought up by him and my son would hate to be away from me. I feel so trapped.

OP posts:
Dragongirl10 · 10/02/2018 09:39

So glad you are up and about LINZI, hand hold from me today......

I am so very relieved for you and Dcs, can you go out with them to distract you all but somewhere he cannot find you? Please be very careful.

Trauma IS like grief, so true what you have said about it coming in waves, just know to breathe deeply and let each 'wave' pass, it always will and then you will feel OK again, one day soon you will realise you have not had any 'waves' ....

Don't read too much into the ups and downs of Dcs behaviour or words, think about how odd they will be feeling, just stay smiley and calm even if you are not feeling it and you will be their rock.

I agree cut them som slack, let them be clingy, sleep with you, relax boundaries a bit,
try to generate fun moments and laughter about silly things, cuddle on the sofa and watch 'you've been framed' ......my Dcs love this after a difficult day at school.

Your new life has started....it all gets better from now....

potatoes13 · 10/02/2018 09:39

Stay strong, I'm two weeks after leaving and there are good days and bad, no regrets though 💐, be kind to yourself, you can do this!! Xx

TheMamaYo · 10/02/2018 09:55

Have you heard anything from him Linzi? Are you feeling safe enough?

Beelzebop · 10/02/2018 10:02

Hi Linzi , you may not feel like it but you are an inspiration to people in the same situation like me. Your bravery has given me a little hope. Well done XXX.

Meandmy4 · 10/02/2018 10:04

Ive read this and cried and NEVER have i willed anybody to DO anything so much ! You my luv are strong , and although may be a cliche but you ARE stronger than you think that you ARE ! You are bloody fantastic mother !
THE HARDEST bit you Have done, you have done it for you and your beautiful babies ..... this may just be the hardest thing you will ever go through and you know what ... you Will DO it you WILL get through it ALL !!!
I could of written this post after years of living like this im 11 weeks down the line and i still have misplaced "guilt" somethimes but then when i see my 4 babies and hear them laughing together or watch them riding bikes/scooters through the puddles and muddy fields (never allowed to get their bikes/scooters dirty ) helping each other with simple tasks ( 9yr old son was "lazy,stupid,thick, whats wrong with u brain ?had to man up ,wimp,mummys boy".if he coukdnt undo toothpaste or find a pen for homework or struggled with sums/words from book ? Couldnt reach tap for drink Etc .... said by a man that never worked lived off me &mummy who was also "disabled" ) never allowed anyone to help him but now they all help each other ... still bicker like crazy but hey ! Thats siblings for you.
Also 6 yr old (myson just 6 in jan ) also repeated and copied behaviour/words nasty sentances ... he woukdnt even have a clue regarding the meaning of some of things he said or why he even acted the way he did that his dad thought was hilarious !..
Sorry looong comment hun ! But all i was trying to say was
You will be free and FABULOUS in no time at all and your babies will grow up and respect understand and love you more than you will ever imagine ! I promise you ! Xxxx
Your are amazing !!! You are worth it and so are your beautiful babies ! Xxzz
Good luck !!!! Xxxx

linziluv123 · 10/02/2018 10:20

No I've heard absolutely nothing.....my sister in law is driving past mine soon and she's gonna throw some food down for my cats if the coast is clear. Not sure if Mum has heard from him I had to get in bed with my daughter at 10:30 as she was so upset.
Thanks for sharing that @Meandmy4 your situation was very similar to mine. Both kids have asked this morning about Dad but only fleetingly we've had no tears yet xxxxx

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 10/02/2018 10:20

Lol to all the kisses I've been texting my sister all morning!

OP posts:
kaitlinktm · 10/02/2018 10:27

You seem to be feeling better now Linzi - but remember to read your 4-page list if you have further wobbles. You and the children are bound to be up and down - you have just done a huge thing, but you know that there was no choice. I have looked back through the thread at your posts:

He blamed you for everything that goes wrong, doesn’t work, doesn’t do housework, insists on driving a flash car, won’t take responsibility for his own finances, makes you buy him an expensive Christmas present (putting the family into financial difficulties – which he then blamed you for.)
Remember the threshold before the case went to MARAC? I don’t understand this but you were told that the threshold was 14 – and he scored 20.
Remember how he openly favours your daughter over your son – to the detriment of both of them? Remember your worries for your baby girl’s behaviour – learned from her Dad?
Remember his treatment of your poor dog?
Remember weekday mornings “like a military camp” where your poor children are shouted out of bed?
Remember how your Dad wanted you to leave him?
Remember the advice and recommendations of every professional you have spoken to - all of them said you had to leave him, and now you have.

I have never followed a thread with so much anxiety and am so so so glad you did it. Here's hoping that 2018 will be a great year for your family.

OnTheRise · 10/02/2018 10:40

I'm so pleased you're out of there, Linzi!

Your children are bound to be unsettled for a while: this is a big change. But that doesn't mean it was the wrong thing to do.

You're definitely doing the right thing.

Meandmy4 · 10/02/2018 10:48

Your very welcome, the anticipation &waiting to see what he will do (your brain going like a tornado with all the scenarios ) is sometimes as bad as anxiety,brain fog,tears,guilt,anger isnt it ?! Thats how he has conditioned you to fear him, but he is a lying, bulkying, weasel never forget that !xxx💐
Trust me though when i say he may loose the plot or do something destructive ONCE ... but remember he will keep up the "victim" act "shes mad shes left me "etc.... his true colours were for you (disgusting i know) ...how can he keep that up if he is arrested for anything ? (Destroy property to gain entry,harrassment,online bullying/contact/slander etc). He will be trying to work out how he will get you back ! As that is how its always been the "cycle".
SCUMBAGS like him NEVER believe what they do or have done is WRONG ! They truly believe you will always go back to them ,even if they do (pretend) to understand and be remorseful /regretfull they never really are, which you know my luv,as youve been peddling this "cycle" for a very long time xx
They will always be the "victim".
Whatever happens it seems that you have Professional,legal,emotional and mental support with every step that you are bravely taking towards the best future and life for you and your babies 💐😘
Last but not least
YO GO SUPERMUM !!!

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 10/02/2018 10:55

You have just done a really hard thing. Your kids will be fine in time, so will you (and much happier for not having to walk around on eggshells). Allow yourself to be upset. Of course you are upset, it's OK! And it's OK to just curl up with your kids today, you can figure what comes next tomorrow. Just make sure you and the kids are safe today. You are a brave, fabulous woman. Flowers

linziluv123 · 10/02/2018 11:20

So he's not messaged my mum yet either. The silence is really unnerving me!

OP posts:
Mum8515 · 10/02/2018 11:22

Sums your situation. Stay strong Flowers

Abusive partner....please help
flamingnoravera · 10/02/2018 11:29

You are crying because it's done. It's tears of refill and grief for the hopes you had that it might have been better. It will get better for you now. Take it slow and be gentle on yourself and the children.

Linzi you are strong

Meandmy4 · 10/02/2018 11:37

That is what he wants ! ... he knows thats what his silence will do to you .... another way to make you second guess your decision luv x
"Oh he must be really hurting"..."he cant be that much of a monster as hes not going mental about this" "i really thought hed be going insane with rage " "maybe my judgement is not so good after all" "what if i have been over sensitive" ? ..... this is all part of it darling x
I just kept on going (i look back and wonder how) but you HAVE done the RIGHT thing and you have done NOTHING wrong !
He is unpredictable and this you know , so please just keep remembering that this situation will not change his unpredictability, but it will change your and your babies future for the best !! X
You are stronger than most and every journey starts with a single step ... you have come leaps and bounds in such a short time so youve broken the mould already !!!! My heart goes out To you all and wish i coukd fast forward to you six months from now and you would realise what a brave fantastic decision you made !!
Im very new to mumsnet so im not quite sure how everything works ... plus its the first time in 10 years ive had a mobile that has internet so new to this also ! ( internet ... jeeze i was never even allowed to have a colour screen on my phone ) thanks to my "perfect husband".
Please pleaseif you want or need anything message me, can only advise support on what i have been through and handhold if needed 👏👏💪🏻💪🏻👸

RandomMess · 10/02/2018 11:53

Keep in mind always that his behaviour has been so awful that SS have told you to protect your DC they don't say that lightly!!!

Thanks
kaitlinktm · 10/02/2018 13:00

He wants to unnerve you with his silence - don't let him. He probably doesn't fully believe you have gone and is expecting you to come back with (in his eyes) your tail between your legs, but you won't.

Maybe he will take until Monday or longer just to believe it has really happened.

dizzy174 · 10/02/2018 13:59

i'm not so sure the silence is to unnerve you. perhaps he thinking more on the lines of harassment and the repercussions of that. and of course he must be totally stunned that you would want to walk away. enjoy the party tonight and if you won't raise a glass in celebration how about sneaking outside for a spliff :))

kaitlinktm · 10/02/2018 14:09

You may be right Dizzy.

linziluv123 · 10/02/2018 14:24

I think that's probably more accurate dizzy....this time yesterday in his head everything was fine. I've been told he is at his mums anyway. I told him in the text that although I'd blocked him, Mum was happy to receive iMessage as long as not abusive. I'd have thought he'd have messaged her by now.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 10/02/2018 14:48

Perhaps he's just in full victim mode, stunned that you've left as he's such a catch...

Dragongirl10 · 10/02/2018 15:07

Hi LINZI,
he is probably so stunned by your balls ( as he has none) he simply doesn't know what to do!

Just be on your guard and be prepared for him to do something at some point.

Enjoy your day with Dcs..

Loyaultemelie · 10/02/2018 16:29

Hi Linzi, just wanted to offer some support and say well done for getting out. You have done the right thing for you and your dcs and although you will have good days and bad you will definitely be so much better off Thanks

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 10/02/2018 18:11

HI Linzi, just checking in again to see if you and the kids are OK and have had a good day.

You will have good days and bad days, but please don't ever get guilted into going back to him, or fall for the 'I'll change' song and dance. He is an abuser and you and your DC (and dog! So glad you rescued the dog too!) are so much better off away from him.

AliceWhatsth3Matter · 10/02/2018 18:26

New to this thread Linzi but I want to echo what GreenFingers said.

Please don't fall for any "I'll change" claims. He won't, only until he has you back under his control. He can't, this is who he is. You've had years of living with who he really is, he doesn't see a reason for real change.

I'm talking from experience. My ex is an abuser and my life was hell. He left, but the begged to come back. Wrote long letters listing all the ways he would change. He has his Flying Monkey also assuring me he'd changed, already.

So, because I so badly wanted it to work, I let him return. He hadn't changed at all. He left again a few weeks later and that was it. I finally saw him for who he was, refused to take him back, again, and divorced him.

I had to see him this week. He was manipulative, lied and became aggressive. Because he's a manipulative, lying aggressive man.

People can change but mostly don't. Not the essential part of them.

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