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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

Help me please - is he abusive and what do I do next?

277 replies

roominthesky · 26/07/2018 09:02

I'm very stupid and think I may have made a terrible mistake. I left a long, subtly abusive marriage and was in a happy, confident place when I met my new partner. I realise now that he love bombed me, pushed the relationship faster than I wanted to go and that I (wilfully?) ignored the warning signs because I am an idiot.

He spent a lot of our early relationship quizzing me and trying to find gaps in my general knowledge, expressing mock surprise when I couldn't answer. I was in awe of him so I let him do it. He uses "humour" to put me down and then tells me it's just banter. I tried to understand his psychological quirks and excuse him because of his abusive upbringing. In between he is loving, attentive, gives me little presents. If I say no to things he gives me them anyway.

He moved in last Sunday because he had no money and was about to become homeless, which I knew but not to the extent that he had literally nothing.

Since Sunday there have bern 3 scary things. He didn't get his bond back from his landlord and I have never heard such an abusive phone call as the one he made to the poor man. He threatened violence, shouted, shut him down - he was on the phone out in the street yelling. It was horrible. I went outside afterwards, away from the children, to try and calm him down. He raised his voice to me and told me off for over compensating.

A couple of nights ago he accused my 13 year old son of trying to "put one over" on him because they had a minor disagreement over pasta of all things. He raised his voice to me and turned on me when I defended my son and I was scared.

Yesterday he came in from a day out. I had been so happy on my own with the children. He was angry when I went to hug him and offer him food I'd saved for him, (he needed space) and accused my 13 year old of being unintelligent (we were playing a game together).

Today he is back to being loving and kind, I am confused and still scared.

He has nowhere to go and I'm frightened of him. I don't want him here. Am.I being unreasonable? What do I do? I am seriously scared of his temper.

OP posts:
RadicalUnspooler · 27/07/2018 19:02

Echoing others' concern and hope that you are OK. Please update us when it's convenient and safe.

Slimmingsnake · 27/07/2018 19:05

Oh ,op i hope your ok ...🌷🌹🥀🌈❤️

overmydeadbody · 27/07/2018 19:44

I hope you're safe op

roominthesky · 27/07/2018 19:47

Thank you everyone - womens aid were amazing. Within 5 minutes of them calling my landlord the locks were being changed!!!! His stuff is now gone, I have a personal alarm, door handle alarm, window alarms and a door defender. Police are aware. I won't go into details but something I learnt about him today and what womens aid told me makes me think he may not venture back. I hope I'm right but we shall see, it's very early days and he has form for brooding. I feel a bit teary and very anxious but not frightened at the moment. I don't think the nights ahead will be easy, I will be scared for a while yet, but I've lost the walking on eggshells feeling of terror and I'm reclaiming my space.

Massive massive thanks to everyone who got me through the day. This is the internet at its best. To think that strangers could care about any of this and support me through jt is humbling and I just feel so honoured. Thank you more than you can know. Onwards and upwards.

OP posts:
hottotrotsky · 27/07/2018 19:53

Precisely. Onwards and upwards OP.
And thanks so much avocado. Weird how a stranger on the internet can affect you in their support.

I will start a thread when DC are back at school.

Flowers to all the abused women out there. Men should be our comrades not our antagonists.

MmeGuillotine · 27/07/2018 19:53

Well done, OP. You've been amazing and so brave and resourceful! Let's hope that you're right and this is the last you'll see of him!

Easy to say, I know, when you've been through so much but I hope you and your children manage to have a lovely weekend! At least you won't have that appalling dickhead hanging around ruining things!

Good luck!

CaveMum · 27/07/2018 19:55

Well done room, you’ve been so brave to do this and I’m so pleased Women’s Aid we’re able to help you so quickly.

It’s the beginning of the journey, that’s for sure, but you’ve taken the first and hardest steps.

rainbowruthie · 27/07/2018 19:57

Fantastic update - I am so pleased and relieved for you

ohfourfoxache · 27/07/2018 19:59

I’m really pleased you’ve made such progress. How brilliant that the locks were changed so quickly - very reassuring to know that he can’t get in

How are the dc doing? Do they know he’s gone?

Have you got anyone with you?

avocadoincident · 27/07/2018 20:02

Wow I feel tearful with relief, I've been worried about you all day! High five to all of us 👏. Good luck @roominthesky and @hottotrotsky
Stay in touch. X💐💐💐

sparklepops123 · 27/07/2018 20:03

Well done and be proud you did it now than years later once he'd screwed all your heads up 🌺

OddS0ck · 27/07/2018 20:04

Great news! Well done OP, you were afraid (bloody terrified) but you gathered your courage and acted. That's real bravery.

So glad WA, the police and your landlord all came through for you.

This is happy news indeed Thanks

bastardkitty · 27/07/2018 20:04

So glad you're safe x

ichifanny · 27/07/2018 20:06

Amazing , you have done so well getting him out before things got harder for you and your children , you trusted your instincts which is completely invaluable . Just be aware of him trying to win you back over and love bombing you or acting the victim , always stay a few steps ahead of the game .

FatCow2018 · 27/07/2018 20:08

Amazing news OP! I'm so glad you are ok!!

Next time you meet someone, do a claires law application to the Police and if there are previous instances of DV/IPV they will tell you.

Bloody well done, its not an easy thing to do what you have done. You should be incredibly proud of yourself

overmydeadbody · 27/07/2018 20:09

Well done room, that is amazing!!

I hope you have a lovely weekend with your children now. Things can only get better!

sexnotgender · 27/07/2018 20:10

Glad you’re safe. Hope he has the sense to stay away.

Weejo39 · 27/07/2018 20:14

Wow what a truly inspiring thread and a great example for others in similar to gleam some strength from to make the move to a better, safer and healthier life. Well done OP! Smile

Doingreat · 27/07/2018 20:14

So so happy you and your kids are safe OP.

I had some bad news today with a trip being cancelled but your news has cheered me right up!!

Please look into the freedom programme to help you understand how abusive men operate.

Well done to you and all the wonderful posters on here who offered you adviceto get you out of this situation.

Xx

Pebblesandfriends · 27/07/2018 20:17

Well done. You have this.

slapmyarseandcallmemary · 27/07/2018 20:19

Aw, fantastic! Keep your chin up!! Well done 👍

AcrossthePond55 · 27/07/2018 20:26

Oh wonderful!!!! I'm go glad things were able to get done so quickly. Kudos to you and the organizations who helped you.

FishingIsNotASport · 27/07/2018 20:51

Wonderful news! This is where forums such as Mumsnet come into their own. Onwards and upwards!

BrassicaBabe · 27/07/2018 20:53

OP that's amazing. So glad you found the strength and the WA were such a power force. I'm off to find the WA website to see if I can donate to help. Bless you x

Teabay · 27/07/2018 20:58

Well done you. Never underestimate how bravely you have acted today.

You are amazing and your DC are lucky to have such an incredible woman for a mum.

Much love x