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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:
YoYoNoMore · 27/07/2018 21:04

A great update, OP. Good riddance to him and best wishes to you. Now you can just be you.

wordsmithereens · 27/07/2018 21:22

So glad WA were so responsive and you get to feel safer. I hope you're proud of yourself for all you've done this week - you're a strong, brave woman and you deserve to be. Flowers

bethy15 · 27/07/2018 21:30

Wow.

Huge well done to you! So great you identified the dangers there and was brave enough to confront it and him and get yourself into a safe position. Amazing stuff, you deserve to be very proud of yourself and give yourself a nice slice of cake/glass of wine, something to say well done to yourself and hug your children extra close tonight.

Lots of people can see the trouble, but taking action is the hardest part. That you did so much today is absolutely amazing.

I hope this thread will encourage those stuck in abusive relationships to seek out the help too.

Women's aid really are a lifesaving resource and a complete force for women.

madeyemoodysmum · 27/07/2018 21:43

Well done op. Please keep us updated if your able. WineFlowersStar

RadicalUnspooler · 27/07/2018 21:44

This has made my night!

LabradorMama · 27/07/2018 21:47

Bravo OP, today won’t have been easy but I hope you could feel the support you have here.
It sounds as though he was known to WA and possibly the police which just reaffirms that you’ve absolutely done the right thing for you and for your children.
You’ve shown great strength today and you should be so proud of yourself.
As you said, onwards and upwards. I wish you and your children all the best x

Catbot · 27/07/2018 21:58

Gosh OP, well done you! Stay strong, everyone is rooting for you!

BlueEyedBengal · 27/07/2018 22:33

You are wonderful, keep strong for your kids. I am holding your hand and sending bravery your way. I wish you well.Thanks

OctaviaOctober · 27/07/2018 22:46

Amazing. Well done! And well done Women's Aid if they see this thread. Do not hesitate to call the police if he does anymore than collect his stuff (if it's outside) and leave.

Frustrated00 · 27/07/2018 22:54

You've done brilliantly Flowers

I really hope he leaves you and your kids well alone from now on x

roominthesky · 27/07/2018 23:06

Thank you for such kind words, I feel very moved and supported. Thank you especially to the poster who made a donation to Women's Aid. What a generous thing to do. Just wonderful.

All quiet here, children very loving and happy. Good night all and may it be peaceful for all of us.

OP posts:
eggncress · 27/07/2018 23:15

Goodnight @room .,, so glad and happy for you and the children. Lovely to know of a good outcome . Good luck for the future Smile

GreenFingersWouldBeHandy · 27/07/2018 23:16

Fantastic update.

You have done in days what took many of us years. Cuddle your kids, look in the mirror and smile.

Your fucking rock, roominthesky. I hope you have a peaceful night. Do not hesitate to call the police if not. Wishing lots of love and peace your way in the future. You did bloody good. Grin

bluejelly · 27/07/2018 23:20

Just caught up. Well done OP. You have done the right thing, don't ever doubt yourself.

coffeeisaddictedtome · 27/07/2018 23:29

Wow. ! Amazing ! You have done the right thing and so glad you saw him for what he really is now and not further down the line . Please stay safe and be strong . Sending you hugs and a big well done . It takes blooody guts and courage xx I bet I'm not talking just for myself when I say that so often after leaving an abusive relationship for some reason we find ourselves in a similar situation again ! But I'm so proud off how you've nipped this in the bud xxxx

Paleshelter · 27/07/2018 23:31

Jeezo Room I feel scared just reading your posts, you and you DC have been living it with this horror. Best wishes to you for the future, look after yourselves and to others in an abusive situation Flowers

5LeafClover · 27/07/2018 23:51

So glad to read this, well done OP 💐 for you. Women's aid are amazing.

GravyMilkshake · 28/07/2018 00:02

Does he realise you’ve chucked him out?

AcrossthePond55 · 28/07/2018 00:03

Good night. And sweet peaceful dreams, tonight and all nights to come.

Toofle · 28/07/2018 06:58

The children won't forget this episode but what they'll remember is that you sorted it and protected them.

avocadoincident · 28/07/2018 07:13

How was last night? All quiet and peaceful I hope?

PurpleWithRed · 28/07/2018 07:25

I am so pleased for you Room - congratulations on your strength and your good sense.

I also left one unhealthy relationship and leaped into another which trapped me for 15 years, and with the benefit of hindsight I could have done with some counselling to make sure I didn't move into a third. As it happens I didn't - I was VERY careful - but I read a lot of self help books in the meantime!

One thing I can say from my experience - I became a bit anti-men but I did discover that the bad ones are the exception and there are some fantastic lovely men out there for friendship or for partners.

Enjoy your freedom Smile Flowers

swishbish · 28/07/2018 07:26

Hope your ok and had a good sleep OP Smile

sunshineandroses1 · 28/07/2018 08:34

Wishing you freedom from abuse for the rest of your days OP starting from today

BlueEyedBengal · 28/07/2018 11:11

Hope you are o k and everything was quite for you.