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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 · 19/01/2018 15:58

@Luckybe40 you have to understand that I've been conditioned to believe I'm seriously mentally ill and completely unable to look after my children alone. He's made me believe he will take my daughter....the thought of them being split up and so upset away from me made Me truly believe that staying was my only option. Like a PP said, if he had been horrible all the time it would be easy....but he's not. I've been in a permanent state of confusion.
I'm happy in a way that you have no clue, it means you've never been abused or supported a woman who's being abused....I really hope you never do. Just please in future be mindful when making comments like you did as you have no idea how hard that hurt me!

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 15:59

And thanks everyone it means a lot to know you're all thinking of me. I really appreciate it x

OP posts:
Luckybe40 · 19/01/2018 16:01

Sorry OP. Not my intention, very sorry.

Hidingtonothing · 19/01/2018 17:00

Luckybe I kind of get where you were coming from, in an ideal world we would all remove our children instantly from a situation which became abusive but I do think you have to have lived (or at least witnessed at close quarters) an abusive relationship to appreciate the position Linzi is in. To say it's not that easy is the understatement of the century.

I try to be really careful on relationships threads, posters can be at such a low point and it's always worth considering the effect of your words before you post ime. You've been big enough to apologise and I hope that's gone some way to repairing the damage for Linzi but it doesn't hurt any of us to be reminded to think before we post.

Hope things are reasonably peaceful for you today Linzi Flowers

linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 17:18

@Luckybe40
I'm absolutely sure it wasn't your intention....it's ok and thank you for apologising x
I'm doing really well today. Feeling very strong and not cried once!
I've just got back from GP, he's amazing too...been prescribed propanalol which has eased the anxiety symptoms thank god!
Obviously GP has to speak to safeguarding but I'm not worried as they're already aware.
I'm not in immediate danger. He's never been violent for 'no reason' so can avoid arguments by agreeing and keeping quiet....I've got plans all weekend away from him with the kids so will defo be ok for now.
I'm going to get some bits to my mums in case I do need to get out quickly but if he were to kick off I'd phone he police straight away.

OP posts:
Hidingtonothing · 19/01/2018 17:49

You're making really sensible plans and decisions Linzi, it's impressive Smile I got on well with propanalol, really good for getting you through the worst of anxiety symptoms, glad your GP is supportive too, makes all the difference. You're doing great Flowers

linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 18:13

Thanks @Hidingtonothing I don't quite know where my strength is coming from! I like to think my dad is guiding me....he hated him and his dying wish was for me to get rid. I'm doing this for him too!
I could have walked out of my gps with Valium, zopis etc but I really don't want to go down that route if I can help it. I just needed the physical symptoms to go away so I can actually eat something....I've lost a stone already (every cloud lol).
He hasn't noticed that I've not ate a thing at home since last Friday! He wouldn't care if I wasted away.
He's being nice and civil on the whole and he's going out in a minute anyway so looking forward to having a bath and watching the soaps whilst cuddling up to my beautiful babies ❤️

OP posts:
OnTheRise · 19/01/2018 18:15

I've just read through this whole thread and although I don't have any advice or help to offer I wanted to say how impressed I am by you, linziluv. You're doing so well. Being so brave and strong. I'm glad your GP gave you the medications you needed, and I hope you manage to stick to your guns and get the lovely life you deserve, away from this awful, awful man.

linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 18:46

Thank you @OnTheRise .
I've had you lovely lot on my side I feel invincible! Well not quite lol but I certainly don't think I'd be feeling quite as strong and positive if I didn't have this thread I keep reading through x

OP posts:
ptumbi · 19/01/2018 20:17

Do be careful OP. This is the most dangerous time in an abusive relationship - when they feel their control slipping, when they think they may be losing their punchbag.
He's never been violent for 'no reason' - his 'reason' may be nothing at all. Be aware that he is abusive and may find a 'reason', any 'reason'.

linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 20:30

Obviously he could be violent for no reason, I really have no idea what goes on in his head. It's just really unlikely if I'm a bit clever about it. Understand completely that if he finds out anything, things could turn violent but I do have a plan before it even gets that far. Things are just normal at the moment, obviously he's stressing, huffing and raising his voice in annoyance every 5 minutes as usual but I'm just not rising to it.

OP posts:
linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 20:33

So basically, if I let him be generally awful to me and shout or whatever then he would calm down and be ok after 30 mins. It's when I dare question him or god forbid answer him back that I'm at risk of him being violent iyswim. That's why he's not laid a hand on me since before my dad died.....he's not needed to as he's hurt me enough and controlled me enough with his words alone.

OP posts:
ptumbi · 19/01/2018 20:39

Just saying be careful. That includes deleting your internet history, phone convos, notes about appointments etc.

Just in case he gets wind of something,

linziluv123 · 19/01/2018 20:50

I'm quite fortunate in that he's not in the SLIGHTEST bit tech savvy. He can barely turn a computer on tbh. My phone and Ipad both have passcodes he would never ever guess, anything on paper is in my locker at work. I've also turned off notifications on the lock screen of gadgets so he can't read anything when my phone is locked. All the services know not to phone outside of work hours and I'd just not answer anyway...he'd assume I was avoiding a debt collector 😫.
I fully appreciate what you're saying I really do and he would go absolutely mental if he knew but I'm very confident he won't. It helps that I know he underestimates me. He wouldn't think I had it in me, I mean why on earth wouldn't I want to spend the rest of my life with him Hmm.
He's not interested in anything I do.....he'll have never heard of mumsnet so would never come across this post. Honestly I'm not being cocky, I'm just confident that I'm far, far smarter than he is and I do know him very well and well aware of his incapabilities!
I feel unnerved that I'm coping so well. After how hard I've found the past week too I feel like something has clicked.

OP posts:
SnowGoArea · 19/01/2018 21:09

Sounds good op. Keep plodding on, the end is in sight and you are doing so well at working to create a healthier future for your kids.

Stay safe Flowers

Dragongirl10 · 19/01/2018 21:22

LINZI..reading your updates you do sound very calm and in control...well done,!!
l am so glad you are using your capabilities so effectively to plan your escape whilst avoiding his temper, this will be the hardest thing you have ever had to cope with and you are doing it well, everything else will be simple compared to this!

Move copies of all important documents to your mums, birth certs/ pension info/bank/loan paperwork just to be ready, also move any sentimental kids toys and belongings, as if he does kick off you may have not time and he could destroy their most precious things to spite you.

Cheering you on from here...

Hidingtonothing · 20/01/2018 01:05

I don't think that 'something has clicked' feeling is uncommon actually, it is very much a case of the scales falling from your eyes and once it starts to happen everything becomes clear to you. Stuff you've ignored starts to make sense and it's almost like an avalanche once it starts, it can be quite overwhelming.

You don't sound overwhelmed though, you sound like every new realisation gives you a bit more determination, it's actually pretty amazing to watch your confidence grow Smile Just keep your guard up, stay safe and keep going, as Dragon says we're cheering you on every step of the way Flowers

Growingstuff · 20/01/2018 02:04

I cheer you on from the side lines!

user764329056 · 20/01/2018 02:10

Keep going Alonzo, you’re sounding stronger and more motivated to make changes. You say it would be easier if he was abusive all the time and it’s a fact that the Jekyll and Hyde nature of these men is what keeps us in a whirl mentally and you end up thinking you don’t know which end is up, it’s all part of the destabilising, I know when I was in that situation I never felt I was on solid ground for any length of time, like shifting sand. I hope you find freedom soon xx

user764329056 · 20/01/2018 02:24

Sorry, stupid predictive, Linzi - not Alonzo!

linziluv123 · 20/01/2018 09:54

I think definitely the main thing for me is the fact I've took heavy duty psychotic medication for so long that was responsible for manic episodes and obsessive tendencies. To learn I'm actually not mentally ill AT ALL is a revelation! To be out of that fog I've been in for years is a relief! I've been trying so desperately hard to see what is is 'wrong' with me, turning my attention away from the real problem.
Definitely not feeling overwhelmed at the moment but is certainly a feeling I'm familiar with. I'm not depressed in the slightest, I can actually see the light pretty bloody clearly!
It's the guilt I still struggle with but when I feel that way I read this thread, talk to my mum or listen to a recording of him being awful. It all reminds me why I'm doing this even when he's acting nice.
Thanks again for your support it means so much!

OP posts:
Dragongirl10 · 20/01/2018 10:29

Morning LINZI,
good to read you have realized HE is responsible for your MH issues, living with that level of abuse would tip anyone into MH problems.

Just to let you know a good marriage is someone who is kind and cares for your wellbeing all the time.

Someone who when you disagree, can argue without screaming and any hint of violence, and either agree to disagree, or compromise, and can occasionally say sorry when it was unreasonable of them.

Someone who always has your back in private and public, who when times are hard, will still be there for you on your side.

Someone who thinks his Dcs are the most important things in the world, and would protect them above anything ( even himself)
Who would always support their efforts and be their cheerleader.

That is a normal good marriage Op, your DH is not capable of even a fraction of this and will sadly never be.
your Dcs need you to make the change you are making, so that they can begin to put his nastiness behind them, and with your help become the fantastic people you will help them to grow into.

linziluv123 · 20/01/2018 12:26

He's kicked right off because I've left him in bed to go to my sisters for the day! Apparently it's highly suspicious! He's more angry that I never went to get butter for HIS breakfast. I've been called a cunt and all sorts 😩. Apparently I never go to my sisters....that's a lie as we are really close! I'm trying to stay strong but he's truly unreasonable and hurtful!

OP posts:
RandomMess · 20/01/2018 12:31

It's great seeing how much progress you've made already!!

Thanks
ptumbi · 20/01/2018 13:48

I say again - Be careful Linzi.

Any indication of violence, call the police.

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