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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:
letsdolunch321 · 15/01/2018 13:44

Linzi, You have come this fair in getting the right help for you and your dc’s to escape from the controlling hands of that vile specimen. He is a controlling arrogant man cause he is weak.

Of course, it will feel daunting to you there is a bumpy road ahead but the bumpy road will lead to you having control over what you will allow yourself & your dc’s to put up with.

When you feel the road is bumpy confide in your boss, express how you feel on here and approach Womans aid.

Everyone here, your boss and lots of other people are rooting for you.

linziluv123 · 15/01/2018 16:54

Thanks so much everyone this support means the world to me. I'm just finding it really hard, I'm almost grieving really. He's the only adult relationship I've ever known.
It's as if he knows something is going on as he actually being civil to me tonight though I think that's more the pound signs in his eyes cheering him up as he's told me he's soon to be making money with his mate (criminal activity Hmm).
The safeguarding nurse I met today was truly amazing. She will be present at MARAC on my behalf and has promised she will fight my corner. She's assured me that nothing I have told her, and I've told her the absolute truth, has given her any concerns that I'm not fit to parent. I've been medicated beyond belief in the past for "mental health problems". It took one psych years ago to say there was no medication he could give me that would help me and handed me a leaflet on domestic violence. I don't think my brain is the problem....who wouldn't be anxious and depressed?!

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 15/01/2018 16:58

I don't think my brain is the problem....who wouldn't be anxious and depressed?!

Spot on Linzi, you should save your last post and re-read it when you have a wobble and find yourself wondering if it's you rather than him, it really, really isn't you Flowers

Dragongirl10 · 15/01/2018 17:46

I second HIDING it really isn't you....he is your MH problem..once he goes l suspect your MH problems will go with him!

Of course you are grieving for the life you wanted and hoped for with him......but that was an illusion as he is not that man...hopefully in time there will be that man, someone kind, loving and honest that values you and your DCs and will give you that happiness.

In the meantime you just have to grit your teeth and keep going towards that better future, accept the emotional ups and downs, they will pass and will be fine.

linziluv123 · 15/01/2018 19:05

Somehow my iCloud account was logged in on my laptop and he's accidentally opened iMessages 😥 he read a brief conversation between me and Mum, he won't tell me what he's read but now he's leaving (he won't) me....he's called my mum some awful names saying she's a slag that sleeps around. It's hurting me so much 😥. Says I'll never get a penny off him or his Mum he's going to tell everyone I'm gambling....I'm not! He's already trying to completely ruin me 😥

OP posts:
PawsyMcPawFace · 15/01/2018 19:07

Play along with him for now if you can. Make sure all your other accoutns are safe.

Hidingtonothing · 15/01/2018 19:09

One other thing, it's ok to be scared, to want to run back to what's 'normal' for you rather than face the upheaval of change. But this is one of those times where (sorry for the cliche but it's totally appropriate here) you have to feel the fear and do it anyway. Is the thought of a temporary period of upset and chaos which, while hard at the time is temporary and will lead to a brighter future where you're free of his abuse really worse than the thought of staying and enduring another 5, 10, 40 years of your life as it currently is? Think about what you want your new life to look (and feel) like and focus on that, eyes on the prize sweetheart Flowers

Dragongirl10 · 15/01/2018 19:13

OP you really have to learn to ignore his threats, they are just empty threats and do not mean anything.....yes expect him to be mean and say horrible things but, harden your heart he will soon be gone one way or another and you need never be spoken to that way again, by anyone.

Don't be hurt be mad , really, really mad, how dare he stupid little man.

Thats all he is a nasty stupid little man who will soon be out of your life...he can say all he wants but you do not have to take it onboard.

Please don't, you sound like such a good person and parent, don't waste your energy on him, keep thinking about your next steps, we a re all on your side as are those supporting you in RL.

Hidingtonothing · 15/01/2018 19:16

Cross posted with you Linzi, don't let him scare you. As far as him telling people things (another cliche, sorry) the people who matter won't believe him and the ones who believe him don't matter. Stick with your plan, keep talking to those who can help and stay calm, whatever he says he can't stop you moving on and leaving him behind. Be very careful with your online activity, change passwords if need be and log out of everything when you're done, delete all history or use private browsing. Stay safe and call the police straight away if you don't feel you are, we're with you Flowers

linziluv123 · 15/01/2018 19:20

I feel sick with fear. He's waiting until I've gone to work tomorrow then stripping my flat of absolutely everything his mum has bought which is pretty much everything here. Tv, bed sofa. He's acting all reasonable saying we will share the kids no problem, I can simply move on! I don't know what his game actually is but it scares me. My son has just said to his dad "you're awful to Mum" he said fine, you're stuck with her, me and daughter going on holiday then without you!

OP posts:
Assburgers · 15/01/2018 19:29

When he says go on holiday... have you cancelled the passports yet?

WORKWORKWORKWORKWORKWORK · 15/01/2018 19:29

Urgh what a horrible man!!
You need to take some control from him- you need to tell your mum about whatever happened last year, just come clean. Then he can’t use that against you. I know it feels like a massive step, but finances are your business & don’t really affect your mum, so as much as she might be stressed by it at first, I’m sure she’s more worried about you & the children being around that dickhead.

WORKWORKWORKWORKWORKWORK · 15/01/2018 19:30

Urgh what a horrible man!!
You need to take some control from him- you need to tell your mum about whatever happened last year, just come clean. Then he can’t use that against you. I know it feels like a massive step, but finances are your business & don’t really affect your mum, so as much as she might be stressed by it at first, I’m sure she’s more worried about you & the children being around that dickhead.

WORKWORKWORKWORKWORKWORK · 15/01/2018 19:30

Sorry double posted!

Dragongirl10 · 15/01/2018 19:38

What an evil bastard he is LINZI....let the things go, they must hold bad memories for you and DCs anyway.

You can enjoy getting new,(or second hand) things once he has gone.

l can understand you are so scared we all would be, but he is doing you a massive favour by going voluntarily, let him take everything if it helps him to be happy to go!

Organise the locks to be changed immediately, don't believe him if he hands you back the key, he may have cut another one...

Hug son, tell him he and DD are your world again and again, that you are all going to be so much happier and have so much more fun together in the future.

Poor boy, I am beyond furious on your behalf. Even more reson to keep going towards you future without this pathetic excuse for a man.

Dragongirl10 · 15/01/2018 19:39

I second the importance of getting hold of or cancelling the passports.

Lillygolightly · 15/01/2018 19:47

Hi OP I’ve just read the full thread. So sorry your going through this. You’ve been so brave so far, you just need to be brave for a little longer.

What he is doing now is trying to frighten you into submission. I know your scared, but don’t let his intimidation tactics work. Even if he does follow through (and I doubt it) and clear out your flat tomorrow it is just stuff, things that can be replaced. You have support from your work, you’ll have support from women’s aid and you’ll be able to replace whatever he takes. Wouldn’t you rather live in a peaceful, safe and empty home rather than a miserable fearful abusive one filled with stuff?

Let him take the stuff, in return you’ll have peace and freedom from abuse for you and your children.

I know it hard, but you’ve been so brave already. Honestly your amazing to be doing so well, to still be holding down a job, looking after your children with all he has put you through. You’ve also already done the hardest bit by reaching out speaking to people and getting help. Xx

notapizzaeater · 15/01/2018 19:57

He's just trying to manipulate you, just ignore him and keep safe

Adrift17 · 15/01/2018 20:00

Linzi you've been gaining strength at a rate of knots. Keep going. You can do this. Would the council rehouse you I you had to leave quickly whilst he was out?

Why is he obsessed with your daughter, is it because your Sons additional needs?

Your work sound incredible.

linziluv123 · 15/01/2018 20:01

I'm full on sobbing now. I feel so broken. I don't know how anybody could be so cruel to another human being.
I've told both kids I adore them, they keep giving me lots of cuddles. I've reiterated to them both that it's ok to tell the truth, they won't get in any trouble. I don't want them fearful of speaking out. I've been 100% honest there's only him who's lied and lied.
I'm going to cancel the passports. He isn't going anywhere I know that deep down he has it too easy here.
He's just said that I'm cruel apparently!
It's his Mum he threatens to tell, I've told my mum everything and she totally gets it. His mum knows most of it and still didn't disown me, and to be fair I'd have understood if she did. Very basically I'd got him into debt with various things. I've lived like his for years but if it comes between keeping him happy and paying debts/bills I've always opted to leave bills. I'd rather deal with debt collectors tbh they're less of a bully. Same with my rent. He demanded an expensive Xmas present so my rent had to wait, putting myself at risk of eviction!

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 15/01/2018 20:04

He's obsessed with my daughter as she's a mini him. It's awful to say but at 6 years old she can be awfully nasty and cruel. I imagine she will be a bully if left with him. My son is a sensitive boy, yes with additional needs. He's a mummy's boy and adores me and it really upsets him to see me upset. He's old enough to know that his dad is wrong and he will call him on it but the Dad just turns on him, then I jump to his defence then things just carry on and on. It's exhausting. I just want to believe there's hope for my baby girl. Surely at 6 there's time to change her behaviour?

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 15/01/2018 20:07

And my work really are incredible. I'm so, so lucky to have a job I adore with such lovely supportive people. It's my bolt hole. I can actually relax in the knowledge my kids are safe at school, I finish at 4 so they only have 45 minutes till I finish. Mornings upset me. It's like a military camp. Kids shouted out of bed. Shouted to get dressed and brush teeth. It's just constant balling and shouting at people 😩

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 15/01/2018 20:10

There absolutely is time, once she's out of this toxic environment he's creating for your family you can start to repair the damage he's done, he really is poison for you and DC.

Dragongirl10 · 15/01/2018 21:02

Of course there is time for your DD to change her behavior op, at 6 she is just copying the behaviour she sees from her father.

Once she is away from him you can show her that it is not right to be cruel or nasty and that will not bring her happiness. Don't worry about that now. It does however show how much you need to get your DCs away from this situation.

Don't worry about MIL, l would be very surprised if she doesn't know already what her son is like, if it makes you feel better write to her after this is over and explain the difficult choices you had to make re money , ie exactly what you said upthread about being less scared of ballifs than her son.It really is not your concern what she thinks, she is partly responsible for his appalling behavior, you don't owe her any favours.

Also you NEVER got him into debt, he doesn't work!!
ITs all your money paying for the roof over his worthless head,
Your money paying for the water, electricity and gas he uses,
Your money paying for food and clothes,
You can spend your hard earnt money any way you like...

You are actually holding all the cards here, your flat, your job, your choices.
he has just succeeded in making you so frightened you have done exactly what he wants and he has systematically tried to destroy you, he is though very stupid and has underestimated you.

He can knock himself out telling whomever he wants whatever he wants, nobody will believe him. It is honestly not worth worrying about.

Stop crying , find your fury and keep going. You are an amazingly good mother and thats all that matters right now.

Dragongirl10 · 15/01/2018 21:02

Of course there is time for your DD to change her behavior op, at 6 she is just copying the behaviour she sees from her father.

Once she is away from him you can show her that it is not right to be cruel or nasty and that will not bring her happiness. Don't worry about that now. It does however show how much you need to get your DCs away from this situation.

Don't worry about MIL, l would be very surprised if she doesn't know already what her son is like, if it makes you feel better write to her after this is over and explain the difficult choices you had to make re money , ie exactly what you said upthread about being less scared of ballifs than her son.It really is not your concern what she thinks, she is partly responsible for his appalling behavior, you don't owe her any favours.

Also you NEVER got him into debt, he doesn't work!!
ITs all your money paying for the roof over his worthless head,
Your money paying for the water, electricity and gas he uses,
Your money paying for food and clothes,
You can spend your hard earnt money any way you like...

You are actually holding all the cards here, your flat, your job, your choices.
he has just succeeded in making you so frightened you have done exactly what he wants and he has systematically tried to destroy you, he is though very stupid and has underestimated you.

He can knock himself out telling whomever he wants whatever he wants, nobody will believe him. It is honestly not worth worrying about.

Stop crying , find your fury and keep going. You are an amazingly good mother and thats all that matters right now.

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