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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

how can i get DH to treat DC and me with respect and love?

559 replies

frustratedwineaholic · 08/01/2019 13:10

Hi, I am felling really stuck in my relationship. I want to end out marriage but I can't. He will not leave our house and I have been advised by a solicitor not to leave as then I will be unlikely to ever get back into our home or receive any equity from it. This is why I am asking for advice on how to change my husband. I know you can't really change people, they themselves have to want to change but I'm so desperate.

we have 4 dc, only the younger 2 are dh's. they are 12, 10, 6 and 4. DH is usually grumpy and always finds a way to suck the fun out of everything involving the dc. when we have a rare night off he is different, but mostly only if we are with friends. He hates being wrong and can never apologise. he tells the dc not to shout but then shouts at them, he never listens to them, just jumps to conclusions and unfairly punishes them by sending them to bed early, when when i attempt to calmly explain why they did whatever it was and he knows he has over reacted he will not back down, he just becomes angry and starts shouting at me. a few recent examples,
DS2 is like Jeckyl and Hyde, one minute he is the ost loving, cuddly little 6 yr old and he next he just seems to get this look in his eye and he is horrible, he spits, throws things, kicks and hits me and dc, tries to run away all because of the slightest thing like time to close he pet cage. This morning he got up early, he shares a room with DS1, DS1 is in the top bunk and DS2 the bottom, he took his pull up off (diagnosed over active bladder) and threw it at DS1 face then spat at him for no reason. I had an operation yesterday so still under affects of general anaesthetic and was call DS2 to stop, DS1 was shouting Mummy help, I got out of bed, held onto the wall for dizzyness and held DS2 hand puling him away, DH came out o the kitchen and sent both DS to time out, I got cross as DH is always picking on DS1 in my eyes and told him DS1 is not going to time out and DH shouted at me that he was shouting so people down the road could hear, I said he was calling for help as DS2 was throwing a wet nappy at him and spitting at him and DH starting shouting at me for having a go at him and threatened to go to work and leave me to it, it was 6am and DH was going to work late to enable him to do the school run following my operation. I just backed down as I know him well enough to know he would go off and leave me. I had aa major operation 2 years ago and couldn't walk easily or lift anything, he stormed off the following day after an argument and left me unable to eve have a cup of tea. Anyway, he as then in an awful mood, storming about, telling everyone off for the slightest thing, made my DD1 cry as he refused to get her a toilet roll from the cupboard as she should have go it herself before sitting down. in the middle of all this chaos DS2 is still being a total nightmare, he poured salt into the last of the milk so my DS1 lost his temper with DS2 and picked him up from the breakfast bar stool and roughly put him on the floor, DH went mad and DS1 bravely told him he has had enough of being blamed for everything, he said he wont be here later, DH told him he is going to bed early for his mouth.

I can't take anymore, I called a local counselling service to enquire about family counselling but I can't afford it.

Any advice gratefully received.

OP posts:
Jux · 18/01/2019 01:56

You're doing really well. And ds hit the nail on the head, dh is indeed a little twat. Remember it - hear ds' voice saying it x when he does the goady stufff. Also, when he's goading you like that, or shouting even, be the Grey Rock, google it if you've not come across it. You were pretty well doing it anyway.

Keep going. This will be over and you will be ok.

Oliversmumsarmy · 18/01/2019 02:56

Dfriend went through similar except it took her 20years to leave.
In the end her hand was forced. Her stbexh attacked her and neighbours called the police who arrested him and escorted him off the property. The police sat down with her and laid it out that if she didn’t take out a non molestation order on him and start divorce proceedings she might not survive another attack.
Whilst her stbexh was just emotionally abusive for the best part of their marriage the violence only came about in the last few years. If you need something to keep you on track. Friends stbex caused an “accident” which was life changing for dfriend. It is a control and power thing.
Dfriend was about to leave him and although nothing could be proved friend was put in a position where she was completely dependent on him.
But he wasn’t around to even make her a cup of tea.

Something that your stbex did

Another thing that stood out was when your stbex said that he would burn the house down rather than see her getting a penny from it.

I think someone should make a list of what abusive men say. This again was something friends stbex said to her to stop her from leaving.

Please keep going with this.

My friends huge regret is she didn’t divorce him sooner.
They had split on several occasions but he somehow wormed his way back.

Do not be like my friend. Divorce now whilst you can and have many happy calm years ahead.

Houses can be replaced. Money can be earned and a house is only bricks and mortar.

Atm friends divorce is entering its 3rd year.

She tried talking to him asking that they both be sensible, split everything 50/50 and go through everything amicably but he has put so many blocks in her way and it looks like she will come out with more because he has been so unreasonable with regards to dividing property.

No one can forecast the future

Oliversmumsarmy · 18/01/2019 02:58

Sorry fat fingers.

I was going to say

No one can forecast the future but you can forecast an unhappy life if you stay

frustratedwineaholic · 18/01/2019 08:25

Sorry I will respond to you all properly later. Just on school run. Have GP app at 9.50, what do I say? I’m so worried this will have an impact on me professionally

OP posts:
SuperLoudPoppingAction · 18/01/2019 08:46

You're feeling exhausted and worried for your safety due to the abuse your h inflicts on you.
Your solicitor has said if there is a letter from the GP you can apply for legal aid and improve things for yourself and your children.

I've reported domestic abuse after working in the area. Nobody acts as though you're meant to be immune from it.

frustratedwineaholic · 18/01/2019 09:05

Thank you superloud.

Ok I’m worried about outing myself but I’m doing my social work degree at uni. If I have social work involvement this could jepodise my course.

I’m thinking if I don’t tell GP what I’m studying they may not ever find out. I don’t think it will meet threshold for SW involvement anyway, I’m just panicking about everything.

OP posts:
frustratedwineaholic · 18/01/2019 11:00

I did it! I cried a lot but managed to speak to the GP, she was great, agreed to fill the letter in. She will speak to her safeguarding team which is worrying me but I know I’m doing everything I can to safeguard the dc now, just ashamed it’s taken me this long.

Had phone call from the job I went for, I GOT IT!!!!! I’m so pleased!! I can afford to support my children, move out of our house and continue with university.

I have an appointment for the divorce next Thursday.

My head is spinning, I need to keep busy. Viewing the house at 12.15 Smile

OP posts:
hellsbellsmelons · 18/01/2019 11:22

Well done OP.
You are on the road to freedom!
Congrats on the job.
Now keep putting one foot in front of the other.
So pleased for you - whoop whoop!

category12 · 18/01/2019 11:52

Well done op.

Recommend you do not tell him what you're doing or what your plans are from here on. Just quietly get it done.

bilbodog · 18/01/2019 12:10

Well done op - you can do this!!

AcrossthePond55 · 18/01/2019 12:46

Oh my goodness, when you go girl you really GO!

If anything I'd think that if I were to hear of you I'd say 'she'll be a great SW because she's been there, recognized the need to get out and took decisive action'.

LannieDuck · 18/01/2019 12:50

Congrats on the new job! :)

frustratedwineaholic · 18/01/2019 12:54

Thank you Grin

I have just paid a holding deposit on the house!!! Omg, I’m scared now, I just know if I stop I will be stuck for another 9 years. I’m doing it for my DC, I just keep reminding myself of that. It’s not about me, it doesn’t matter if I’m stupid enough to love him and miss him. This is the DC’s life and it my job to protect them!

OP posts:
another20 · 18/01/2019 13:26

Wow you have achieved so much - be really proud of yourself. Take some time now to do something quiet, restful and fun to reward and restore yourself this weekend.
Don’t telll him anything yet - resist that temptation until you have seen your solicitor and taken advice. Well done - your children deserve a calm, loving and peaceful home.

TaighNamGastaOrt · 18/01/2019 13:28

WOw, I've just read your thread and wanted to say you are amazing!
Well done you for standing up for yourself and your children-they will be so happy you've done this for them!
Congrats on your job and new house-see, even the universe wants you to move out and move up!!
Good luck OP, you can do this!!

AcrossthePond55 · 18/01/2019 14:31

Oh wow!! Your new life is about to begin!!!!

Now start looking around you and cataloging what you want to take. Begin 'staging' or even removing smaller items if you can. Get your important papers hidden or preferably out of the house now. A friend's house, trunk of your car (unless he has a key), hidden in the loft? Have you people to help you move or will you use a mover?

Not sure when your rental will be available, but if possible, it will be good if you can get moved in secrecy. When my BFF left we got her DH out of town by having my DH suggest they go camping for the weekend. A team of us got her packed and out in about 8 hours.

If this isn't possible, I'd put off telling DH until the very last possible minute AND if you can it will be a good idea to 1-have the DC out of the house on moving day and 2-have someone IN the house with you on moving day.

Good luck! You will soon be FREE!!!

another20 · 18/01/2019 14:40

That’s great - across the pond - a staged intervention by friends - what a lucky lady she wa to have all your support.

Agree OP - keep this all under wraps

AcrossthePond55 · 18/01/2019 15:10

another20 It was a tense day, that's for sure! He had threatened her about leaving before and she was afraid of him. This was before mobiles and we knew that if for some reason the trip didn't go as planned we'd have no way of knowing until they rocked up. We made sure she was NEVER in the house alone whilst we were making trips back and forth to her new place. DH said it was so odd, that it was like he had a '6th sense' about her that weekend. Normally he was the first one for a 'guys only' trip/activity and never paid a thought to her, but that weekend he just kept saying 'Something's not right. I wonder if she'll be there when I get home, hahaha, as if she'd dare' and such. But when they got back he was absolutely stunned and asked DH if he'd known about it. He lied and said no, but that he wasn't surprised and that he deserved it.

SandyY2K · 18/01/2019 15:19

Congratulations on getting the job, the house deposit and with your GP.

You've achieved so so much. If you ever question whether you're doing the right thing...just remember your DC... this us severely affecting them.

If this was a client once you become a SW you'd raise a SG alert.

Believe in yourself. Trust in yourself and hold your resolve.

BlokeHereInPeace · 18/01/2019 15:43

You are doing brilliantly and showing your children that bad behaviour isn't acceptable. Keep talking on here if you need support. I think you will be a brilliant social worker.

Daisydoesnt · 18/01/2019 16:05

OP I’ve just read the whole thread from start to finish and was going to post about how amazing I think you are and to keep strong. I’ve now just read that you got the job which is incredible, especially considering how much you have on your plate!!! Please give yourself a big pat on the back.
I also just wanted to make the observation that your H very obviously uses the house as a point of leverage over you - that’s what all the threats are of “I’ll smash it up” “I’ll never leave it” “I’d rather burn it down”. As soon as you show him that actually stuff it, I don’t give a shit about what happens to the house, he’ll lose that power over you.

Please also know that there we are all rooting for you every step of the way - you are NOT alone.

cupboardwithashelf · 18/01/2019 17:10

Just read the whole thread and lost it when you said you put down the deposit on the house. WELL DONE OP! This is the start of a new life. Keep going, you can do this.

SandyY2K · 18/01/2019 17:20

Yep...he uses the house as some kind of hold over you.

When the time comes...just say no need to burn it down. You can live here. .. we don't need to fight over it.

He'll be stunned and speechless.

Be prepared for begging...the professing of love.....the promises to change.....the accusations... the threats of self harm.

Then it repeats.

Oliversmumsarmy · 18/01/2019 17:30

Please op now you are on a roll please don’t go back.

That means not tomorrow or next week next month or next year. No matter how pathetic he looks, no matter how sorry you feel for him, no matter how much he sweet talks you or promises you.

Please don’t go back

Friend has had a few false escapes before and returned and has found it increasingly hard to escape the next time and it is a big regret that she did leave earlier on in the marriage but then returned to him thinking he loved her.

It is a control thing.
Her Stbex targeted her throughout their marriage.

Now he can no longer scream at her he screams at the kids when they visit him.

It is like he has to scream at someone.

Jux · 18/01/2019 18:02

Yay! You clever thing, you clever brave and amazing woman!

Keep going, you're on the path now and you're heading in the right direction, don't be tempted to change course. Try to keep this all under wraps, this is the time to keep secrets, be as ordinary and normal as you can. Try to just let things flow past you when he's around, if you can just take deep breaths and stay calm then you won't let slip that anythng different is happening.