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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:
linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 10:48

NewLevels thanks for sharing that. I feel every one of those things you listed. I will write a list I'm sure it will help.

OP posts:
Dragongirl10 · 17/01/2018 16:00

Hope your doing ok LINZI

linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 17:06

My bloody son has told him I said to tell the truth at school 😫 it's gone down really well as I'm sure you can imagine. I don't know how to deal with this really, do I just not tell the kids anything? I feel I should tell my son something but I desperately don't want them involved if I can help it. I certainly don't want to tell him to keep quiet when I'm telling him in the next breath to be honest! It's all so confusing 😫.

OP posts:
ptumbi · 17/01/2018 17:54

It's probably something that the school should know, OP. If only to get some support from them too. And to stop them worrying about some of the things he might say or have said at school. They have very good safeguarding procedures, so don't worry about them 'being involved' - they need to be. I used to work in this field and school staff are very clued up about this sort of thing now. No one will judge you.
Well done your DS for telling the truth.

And next time you feel a wobble, read your OP and your own posts. Read them as if it wasn't you - what would you advise?

linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 18:11

Sorry I wasn't very clear, I meant I don't want the kids involved. I understand school will need to be involved I'm fine with that. They were great support last time I tried to leave him. You are right though, I know exactly the advice I'd be giving!

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 17/01/2018 18:29

I think maybe don't say anything more to the kids for now, make sure they know they can ask you if they have any questions and keep up the cuddling and closeness so they feel secure but resist the temptation to say too much more.

I completely get that feeling that you should be telling them what's happening but I think maybe it would be better to just concentrate on making them feel they can trust you to make the adult decisions in their best interests in this case.

Is he kicking off over what your son said? Hope you're ok Flowers

linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 18:39

Yes he really kicked off when I got out of work. My son said "my dad's saying awful things to me" then obviously Dad told me what was said, he said about leaving me for good and he'd just see our daughter 😩. After 3 minutes he was normal again. Tonight's been strange though, he's helped out with tea and everything which he never ever does. Do you think subconsciously he knows something is us? Obviously I don't think yay he's cured or anything, it just makes all this so much harder
And more confusing x

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 18:40

Something is up**

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 17/01/2018 18:57

Yes I think he probably senses something is up, abusers often follow this pattern of switching back into nice mode when they feel their control over you slipping. It doesn't necessarily mean he knows anything, he might just be able to feel that something has changed in you but it can't hurt to be careful.

I think you need to go a bit 'grey rock' (google it, it's a technique to deal with abusive situations), quietly get on with your plans in the background but keep things as 'normal' as possible on the surface. You do need to be on your guard though, abuse often ramps up when they suspect you're going to leave them so being aware of that and ready to call the police or get out fast is really important.

linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 19:11

It's just weird that he's not helped out in so long but has decided tonight is he night. He's actually talking to me like I'm a human.
That grey rock is really interesting and I find I'm doing most of those things without even realising. Clearly it's a technique I've learned over the years when I've needed a break from it!
School phoned me today, my son is falling asleep in school....he will not go to sleep before midnight despite all gadgets being removed. Could it be anxiety keeping him awake? He's always been late going to sleep it's not really a new thing but I'm worried about him! Will take him to the GP on Friday as school have suggested.

OP posts:
Dragongirl10 · 17/01/2018 19:22

Hi LINZI,

Glad you are Ok, though very worrying that he has been so vile to your son...poor boy. This monstrous man is doing dreadful damage to his son.

It sounds like DS won't sleep because he is worried, my two find it hard to fall asleep if there is even the slightest tension in the house and ( through no fault of yours) there must be a lot of tension, your DS must find it very hard not being the favoured one with his father.

Could you go to bed early with DS, in his room, to get him to fall asleep at say 9pm, even if you get up again? Would he fall asleep if you were beside him?

Please, Please do not be taken in by his apparent niceness it is all fake as others have said, he senses a change in you l suspect and is trying to get you on side. There is no doubt his evil side will re-emerge
again soon.

It does give you some calm though to push your plans forward without the drama of him kicking off, have you made any progress?

linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 19:34

Oh god no I am not getting taken in! I'm so upset for my son. All he ever says is he wants to make us proud. I'm proud of him no matter what he's an amazing little lad! Kids share a room and have high rise beds so getting in with him is a bit of a nightmare. I've got a few things to try yet but will certainly keep that in mind. He's going out to his martial art in half hour so we won't see him until tomorrow now. Really looking forward to a bit of peace!
I have an appointment with housing tomorrow, they are aware of the situation as my safeguarding lead at work has phoned them to give them the heads up. I have about 1400 of rent arrears at the moment 😫. They've given me an hour appointment and my mum is coming with me so hopefully that will be productive.
Really I'm just waiting for the outcome of MARAC though the IDVA should be contacting me first, safeguarding nurse also was contacting children's services on my behalf so I'm expecting a call from them any day now. We figured it was best to get in there first before anybody else.

OP posts:
Dragongirl10 · 17/01/2018 19:37

Well done op, you are making progress, and holding it together in front of him.......Keep safe..

linziluv123 · 17/01/2018 19:54

Thank you Dragongirl....your support has meant so much to me x

OP posts:
RandomMess · 17/01/2018 19:55

Keep going, you can do this, any threats or violence dial 999, he may be sensing that you are be stronger and trying to hoover you back in. Classic abuse technique Thanks

Dragongirl10 · 17/01/2018 20:52

I really feel for you op, not least because l suppose like many l come on mumsnet for a few minutes of chat etc, and when l read a post like yours l feel so very shocked and upset, as anyone would.
Its natural to want to help ,or just offer a little bit of online support, just as we would want help and advice if we were in such a horrible, situation.
Particularly once you have children , it is hard to hear of other children in such a difficult situation with a nasty father.

Just remembered, if my DD cannot sleep for any reason, l often just sit in a corner and read by a small light, (no conversation allowed though) and that is enough to reassure her, she is usually asleep within 30 minutes. You could try that with DS.

Please keep your guard up

Anonagain2017 · 17/01/2018 21:45

I'm just catching up with this and looks like you've made immense progress over the last few days alone.
I left an abusive relationship about 9 months ago and I went through all the feelings of guilt too. Even though my ex treated me like utter sh*t, I still actually felt guilty that I was splitting up our family. I felt guilty he was on his own without the kids, I felt guilty that he felt bad or unhappy.
You will get over all of that when you finally realise how much nicer you're life is without him. Its natural to feel like that because you are a nice person.
You're kids probably will be affected by this but please see the bigger picture and think longer term and how this is actually better for them.
My 4yo has major sleep issues - he seems anxious at night still and I know this is due to the changes. I just make a fuss of him and make sure he knows I'm there, I know he will be ok and yours will too!

Myheartbelongsto · 18/01/2018 02:17

Keep going op. Just keep going. I was married to an absolute cunt. He kicked the shit out of me, put me in hospital, broke my ribs, spat in my face. So many more awful things. I was so afraid at times.

I got rid of him three years ago and life is wonderful, I'm living my own life.

My daughter who was six when he left had developed a kind of tick when she ate. I could see the physical affect he was having on his own children. Bastard.

There is a wonderful life waiting for you just be brave!

I wish I lived closer to you and I hand on my heart would do anything to help you get away from him x

user764329056 · 18/01/2018 03:08

Lovely post Myheart and I echo all you have said, so many of us on MN who have escaped abusive relationships and it’s so sad to read about how many crap men women have to deal with.

As Myheart says OP keep going, just keep going, every step in the right direction, however small, is a step closer to freedom and peace for the rest of your life, stay brave and strong, I too wish I could physically help women in your position

ptumbi · 18/01/2018 09:20

Please don't feel guilty, any of you who have left abusive relationships!

You have a right to be happy, you have the right to a calm, happy family life.

He lost his right to a family life the minute he abused you or the dc. He made his bed. Once he decided that you are his punchbag, that is the minute you should start to get 'selfish', put yourself first, put the kids first. An abusive relationship is not a good start for the dc - they need calm and consistent. Don't feel guilty for giving them that!

Myheartbelongsto · 18/01/2018 11:58

User - Thank you.

I've never wanted an op to leave someone as much as I do this lady!

I'm checking this thread often and hoping that all is ok.

I might add op that I am now with the most wonderful man and he is the total opposite of my ex husband. No name calling, no raised voices, everything is just as it should be. Someone lovely is out there for you too.

I used to imagine my children and I living in bliss and it kept me going. I'm wishing you all the very very best and I will continue to look at this thread and see how your doing.

If by any chance you're in Dublin I would love to help you!

Keep going op, keep going, keep going, keep going!! x

linziluv123 · 18/01/2018 14:47

Aww bless you you're all so sweet ❤️ manager gave me the day off to be with my mum and it's really help. Both Mum and step dad have been so supportive. I know I'm definitely doing the right thing for all the right reasons. Doesn't help the guilt but Mum has helped me work through some feelings.
Housing were pretty unhelpful tbh the warrant for my eviction is on someone's desk waiting for the word go 😩 I've got to pay a lump sum on top of my rent which puts me in a bit of a bad situation as I need money in the bank when all this goes pear shaped! This still won't guarantee they won't apply for the eviction. Still waiting on IDVA calling me, council said they will have more sway as they have all the info. I'd like to think a council wouldn't evict me under the circumstances but still feeling anxious about it!

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 18/01/2018 15:02

I'm manchester area by the way!

OP posts:
se7enthings · 18/01/2018 15:43

Linziluv im in Manchester too, whereabouts? Always here if you need a chat or a friend x

se7enthings · 18/01/2018 15:43

Linziluv im in Manchester too, whereabouts? Always here if you need a chat or a friend x

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